Above average precipitation and snowpack allow for an increase in planned water deliveries for 2025
From the Department of Water Resources:
Today, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced an update to the State Water Project (SWP) allocation forecast for 2025. The allocation has increased to 15 percent of requested supplies, up from the initial allocation forecast of 5 percent announced earlier this month. The SWP provides water to 29 public water agencies that serve 27 million Californians.
Strong storms in late November and early December have helped boost statewide precipitation to just above average for this time of year. Reservoir levels have also increased because of the storms. The initial allocation forecast announced on December 2 had not accounted for these storms because the data was not yet available to water managers. Prior to the second half of November, the start of the water year had been dry and warm.
“The past several weeks has brought welcome rain and snow to Northern California and these improved conditions have allowed the State Water Project to increase the allocation forecast to the benefit of millions of Californians,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “While we typically wait to provide an update until January, we felt it important to let our State Water Contractors know of the increase as soon as possible to allow them to better plan their water supply for the year ahead.”
State water managers will continue to monitor precipitation and snowpack conditions as well as account for dry soils that may soak up some of the spring runoff following record heat this past summer. Additionally, Southern California remains very dry and has not benefited from the atmospheric rivers experienced so far this season.
“California is still in the early months of our wet season and as recent history has shown, conditions can change quickly,” said Dr. Michael Anderson, State Climatologist. “While Northern California has benefitted from early season storms, dry conditions in the new year can leave us with below average totals when warmer weather arrives.”
Each year, DWR provides SWP allocation forecasts based on available water storage, projected water supply, and water demands. Allocations are updated monthly as snowpack, rainfall, and runoff information is assessed, with a final allocation typically determined in May or June. As the winter progresses, if California sees an increase in rain and snowfall, the allocation forecast may increase. The next update will likely come in January and will use information from the first snow surveys of the season.
The allocation forecast notice to State Water Contractors and historical data on SWP allocations are available at https://water.ca.gov/programs/
Statement from the State Water Contractors:
Statement from Jennifer Pierre, General Manager of the State Water Contractors:
“The Department of Water Resources’ updated 15% allocation for the State Water Project demonstrates a responsive approach to California’s evolving climate challenges. We appreciate DWR making this early adjustment to reflect the benefits of recent storms not factored into their initial allocation. While the increase is encouraging, allocations remain conservative, and this situation underscores the precarious balance of our water supply system in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.
This reality highlights the limitations of our current infrastructure and regulatory framework. Modest increases in supply can bring cautious optimism, but the need for greater resilience is clear. Investments in modern infrastructure, such as the Delta Conveyance Project, along with updates to regulatory processes through initiatives like the Agreements to Support Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, are critical. These efforts will equip us with the tools to better manage water resources for homes, farms, businesses, and the environment, even amid California’s rapidly shifting climate.
We are grateful for the incoming storms and look forward to further storms and allocation adjustments in January, but long-term solutions require decisive action now.”
