- Increased snowpack improves water allocations for many California farmers, especially those north of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.
- South-of-Delta farmers still see limited allocations, despite storm improvements.
- Early season drought concern remains, with future adjustments possible.
- New drought reserve pool created for south-of-Delta assistance.
- Water conservation efforts are likely to continue despite improved allocation.
February 26, 2024 — Last week, the Bureau of Reclamation announced more positive water allocations for California’s Central Valley Project (CVP) for the 2024 water year. Increased winter storms have boosted the crucial Sierra Nevada snowpack, significantly improving the water supply outlook.
Some Will See Full Allocations This Year.
Except for contractors south of the Delta, water users are receiving 75-100% of their allocations this year.
Sacramento River.
- Irrigation water service and repayment contractors north-of-Delta are allocated 75% of their contract total.
- Municipal and industrial water service and repayment contractors north-of-Delta are allocated 100% of their historic use.
- Sacramento River Settlement Contractors’ water supply is based upon settlement of claimed senior water rights. The 2024 water year is determined as non-critical, as defined in their Settlement Contracts, which allows for 100% of their contract water supply.
American River.
M&I water service and repayment contractors north-of-Delta who are serviced by Folsom Reservoir on the American River are allocated 100% of their contract total.
In-Delta Contractors.
M&I water service and repayment contractors who are serviced directly from the Delta are allocated 100% of their contract total.
South-of-Delta Contractors.
- Irrigation water service and repayment contractors south-of-Delta are allocated 15% of their contract total.
- M&I water service and repayment contractors south-of-Delta are allocated 65% of their historical use, or public health and safety needs, whichever is greater.
- San Joaquin River Settlement Contractors and San Joaquin Exchange Contractors’ water supply is based upon settlement/exchange of claimed senior water rights. The 2024 water year is determined as non-critical, as defined in their contracts, which allows for 100% of their contract supply.
- In addition to this allocation, Central Valley Project contractors south-of-Delta have been approved to reschedule approximately 184,000 acre-feet of unused allocated water from 2023 for use in 2024.
Eastside Water Contractors.
Eastside water service contractors (Central San Joaquin Water Conservation District and Stockton East Water District) will receive 100% of their contract total.
Friant Division Contractors.
Friant Division contractors’ water supply is delivered from Millerton Reservoir on the upper San Joaquin River via the Madera and Friant-Kern canals. The first 800,000 acre-feet of available water supply is Class 1; Class 2 is the next amount of available water supply up to 1.4 million acre-feet. The Friant Division water supply allocation is 60% of Class 1 and 0% of Class 2.
Wildlife Refuges.
The 2024 water year is deemed non-critical, as defined in their contracts, which allows for 100% of contract supply for wildlife refuges (Level 2), both north- and south-of-Delta.
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)Caution Continues; Adjustments Possible.
Despite positive signs, officials remain cautious about the lingering drought. The initial February forecast revealed a below-average start to the water year, and the potential for a drier spring looms. This means the current allocations could be adjusted throughout the season.
To help address ongoing drought challenges, a new reserve pool has been established for South-of-Delta water users. While the Sierra Nevada snowpack brings relief, the reality of California’s multi-year drought means water conservation will likely continue to be a significant focus.
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