Operational updates aim to maximize water deliveries across California
Press release from the Bureau of Reclamation:
The Bureau of Reclamation today signed a Record of Decision adopting an updated long-term operation plan for the Central Valley Project. The decision advances actions designed to maximize water deliveries across California while maintaining protections for endangered fish species.
“With the signing of this Record of Decision, we are delivering on the promise of Executive Order 14181 to strengthen California’s water resilience,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “This updated operations plan reflects our commitment to using the best available science to increase water deliveries while safeguarding the environment and honoring the legacy of the Central Valley Project’s 90 years of service.”
The revised plan responds to Executive Order 14181, issued Jan. 24, 2025, which directs federal agencies to take all available measures to increase water deliveries from the CVP, including issuing a new Record of Decision consistent with federal law.
“Action 5 represents a forward-looking approach to water management that balances the needs of California’s communities, agriculture, and ecosystems,” said Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Andrea Travnicek. “By refining real-time governance and operational flexibility, we are ensuring that every drop of water is managed with precision, accountability, and purpose.”
Under the updated approach, the CVP may increase annual water deliveries by between 130 to 180 thousand acre-feet, and the State Water Project by 120 to 220 thousand acre-feet, depending on hydrologic conditions and subject to the State’s adoption of Action 5.
The previous long-term operation plan was approved in December 2024. The updates adopted today improve the use of scientific modeling and analysis in operational criteria. Changes remain within the range analyzed in the 2024 Long-Term Operations Final Environmental Impact Statement and consistent with effects analyzed in the 2024 Biological Opinions issued by NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Key operational changes include adjustments to Delta export operations, removal of the Delta Summer and Fall Habitat Action and removal of early export-reduction concepts from the State of California’s Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program.
This week also marks 90 years since authorization of the Central Valley Project in 1935.
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