The Bureau of Reclamation is raising Central Valley Project allocations from 40% to 50% for south-of-Delta agricultural contractors.
Adam Nickels, acting director for Reclamation’s California-Great Basin region, said the 10% raise follows through on President Donald Trump’s executive order directing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to increase CVP water deliveries.
"We are pleased that today’s optimization of available water supplies will continue to support California farmers and the communities we serve," said Nickels.
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The 10% jump is significant compared to more modest increases throughout February and March, especially given recent dry conditions throughout California.
In a statement, Westlands Water District General Manager Allison Febbo welcomed the supply increase but called on additional measures for water storage and management to shore up supplies during dry years.
"The families, farms, and communities served by Westlands Water District rely wholly on CVP water supply, which serves as lifeblood to grow food, support local jobs, and sustain the region’s economy," said Febbo. "We must do a better job of securing, storing, and managing water during relatively wet periods like these so that it’s available in dry years."
North-of-Delta allocations remain at 100%.
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