Bureau Updates CVP Allocations

SACRAMENTO - Today, the Bureau of Reclamation announced another increase in the Central Valley Project 2024 water supply allocation for south-of-Delta contractors and those in the Friant Division. While all north-of-Delta CVP contractors are currently at 100% of their supplies, south-of-Delta agricultural contractors are today being increased from 35% to 40%. Last week, on April 18, the Friant Division Class 1 allocation was increased from 95% to 100% and the Class 2 allocation increased from 0% to 5%.

All other CVP contract allocations remain the same per the March 22 water supply update. Initial CVP contract allocations were announced on Feb. 21.

"Hydrologic conditions have improved enough that we are able to provide this gradual increase," stated California-Great Basin Regional Director Karl Stock a Bureau news release. "We realize that our contractors were hoping to see a greater amount of water, and we understand how critical irrigation is to California agriculture and the surrounding communities. However, continued uncertainty in long-term hydrology and regulatory constraints necessitate Reclamation's approach with available water supplies."

Westlands Water District issued a statement and news release expressing disappointment in the Bureau's latest allocation. The revised allocation for south-of-Delta agricultural contractors, including Westlands Water District, was updated with an increase of 5% from 35% to 40% of the total water contract, according to a release from the district.

"With the state's reservoirs and snowpack at above-average levels and much of the state out of drought conditions, this meager increase in allocation continues to present unnecessary and unjustified hardships for the hard-working people of our district," stated Westlands Water District General Manager Allison Febbo in the release. "Water from the Central Valley Project is the lifeblood of our farms and communities that rely on the crops they grow. If we can't expect transparency in the process and a robust water allocation reflective of the hydrology during years when our reservoirs are full, then what can we expect for the future of our region?"