RELEASE: Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program Advances Before the State Water Board

Public water agencies across California are joining Governor Gavin Newsom and statewide leaders to applaud the forward progress by the State Water Board for advancing an innovative approach to create Healthy Rivers and Landscapes throughout the Central Valley.

“The Water Authority has long advocated that the most impactful approach to balancing fisheries needs and water supply reliability is to address all stressors impacting the species. The Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program has the potential to do just that,” said Federico Barajas, Executive Director of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority.

Photo of Federico Barajas

Statement by Federico Barajas regarding the June Water Allocation Update by the Bureau of Reclamation

The United States Bureau of Reclamation (“Reclamation”) updated the Central Valley Project 2024 water supply allocation today. Since the last allocation update in April, water conditions in California have improved, and export restrictions associated with the implementation of the Endangered Species Act and the 2024 Interim Operations Plan have lessened.

Congressional Letter on Allocations

As the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (“Reclamation”) considers modifications to Central Valley Project (CVP) water allocations for south-of-Delta agricultural water service and repayment contractors, we write to urge you to provide a substantial increase in water allocations. As temperatures rise, the current water allocations have the potential to reduce crop productivity, as well as reduce the flexible use of all available water types to Central Valley residents and communities. To maximize agricultural productivity and the flexible use of water contractor portfolios, we request that Reclamation provide an update in June that increases allocations.