- Metropolitan expects to close 2025 with a record level of storage.
- The State Water Project sets a conservative 10% initial allocation.
- Early storms help statewide reservoirs start above average.
- Colorado River Basin snowpack begins the season below normal.
Friday, December 5, 2025 — On December 1, the California Department of Water Resources set the initial State Water Project allocation
at ten percent. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the largest State Water Project contractor, responded by placing this early forecast in a long-term context that reflects both storage preparedness and the uncertainties of a California winter.
General Manager Deven Upadhyay described the ten percent allocation as a familiar starting point that accounts for early-season hydrology and reservoir levels. He noted that recent storms are encouraging and added that Southern California could see an increase in supplies if the remainder of the wet season proves productive.
At the same time, he urged caution. “History reminds us that conditions can change quickly,” he said. Upadhyay highlighted the value of storage as the region’s primary safeguard during inevitable dry periods. Metropolitan projects that it will finish 2025 with 3.8 million acre-feet of water in storage, matching the district’s record set in 2024. The district credits decades of storage investments and steady conservation by residents and businesses for reaching this milestone.
Storage as a Regional Security Net.
Metropolitan serves 26 member public agencies across six counties and provides imported water to nearly 19 million people. The district imports water from both Northern California and the Colorado River, making storage vital for managing variability across two large and often unpredictable watersheds.
According to Upadhyay, storage allows the region to manage supply swings without making abrupt operational or financial decisions during dry years. It is also a key tool for navigating climate pressures, which have made year-to-year hydrology increasingly volatile across the West.
Metropolitan’s storage portfolio includes groundwater banking, surface reservoirs and partnerships with local agencies. These reserves support Southern California during both drought cycles and periods of heavy demand, and they complement the region’s investments in recycling, conservation and local supply development.
Statewide Conditions Enter Winter on Strong Footing.
The Department of Water Resources reported that California’s statewide reservoir storage is at 114 percent of average for early December. Lake Oroville, the largest reservoir supplying the State Water Project, is at 100 percent of average and sits slightly higher than it did in early December of last year.
State officials noted that California’s wettest months traditionally occur later in the season. Allocations may rise if winter storms continue to build snowpack and boost runoff. Last year’s allocation began at five percent and climbed to 50 percent by season’s end.
Colorado River Basin Opens With Low Snowpack.
In addition to Northern California, Metropolitan closely monitors conditions in the Colorado River Basin, which provides another major share of Southern California’s water supply. As of early December, snowpack in the basin measured about 42 percent of normal. This slow start follows several years of highly variable conditions across the basin.
Half of Southern California’s water comes from the State Water Project and the Colorado River combined. Upadhyay said that “smart management of these supplies, wise water use, strategic investments, and continued cooperation across the state and within the Colorado River Basin” remain central to preparing for the years ahead.
Metropolitan’s Regional Role.
Metropolitan has imported Colorado River water since 1941, and water from the State Water Project since the early 1970s. The District describes its mission as providing reliable and affordable water through a combination of imported supplies, conservation programs, recycling efforts and collaboration with local agencies. These activities support a region that stretches from Ventura County to San Diego County and includes some of the state’s fastest-growing communities.
Image: Map of Member Agencies by the Metropolitan Water District
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FAQ
Why is Metropolitan so central to the State Water Project announcement?
Metropolitan is the largest State Water Project contractor, serving 26 member agencies and nearly 19 million residents. The district’s planning decisions influence a wide area of Southern California.
Why does Metropolitan emphasize storage when the allocation is set?
Storage protects the region during dry years and allows Metropolitan to manage imported supplies from two major watersheds that can fluctuate widely. It reduces the need for sudden restrictions when hydrologic conditions shift.
Can the ten percent allocation increase later?
Yes. Allocations typically change throughout the winter as rainfall, snowpack and runoff data are updated. Last year’s allocation rose from five percent to 50 percent.
How important is the Colorado River to Southern California?
The Colorado River and the State Water Project together provide about half of Southern California’s total water supply. Conditions in both watersheds heavily influence Metropolitan’s planning.
What does it mean that Metropolitan expects record storage?
The district forecasts 3.8 million acre-feet of water in storage at the end of 2025, matching its highest recorded level. Strong storage positions the region to withstand dry periods and future climate variability.
