- The Bureau of Reclamation increased 2026 water allocations for some Central Valley Project users south of the Delta.
- Farm irrigation contractors moved up from 25 percent to 28 percent of their contract total.
- City and industry contractors rose from 75 percent to 78 percent of their historic use or public health needs.
- Officials pointed to better water supply conditions and more operational flexibility.
- Allocation amounts set on May 19 stay the same for everyone else.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 — The Bureau of Reclamation announced yesterday that it is increasing 2026 water supply allocations for certain Central Valley Project contractors
located south of the Delta. The federal agency said the change reflects improved water supply conditions and added operational flexibility.
Under the update, irrigation water service and repayment contractors south of the Delta will receive 28 percent of their contract total, up from 25 percent. Municipal and industrial contractors, which serve cities and businesses, will receive 78 percent of their historic use or their public health and safety needs, whichever is greater. That share had been 75 percent.
All other allocation amounts announced on May 19 remain unchanged.
Why Reclamation Made the Change.
Reclamation said careful tracking of water conditions and updated forecasts allowed it to raise the numbers while still meeting the project’s operating requirements. The agency noted that conditions this year have shifted and that steady monitoring supports the new allocations.
The update also lines up with existing Central Valley Project reservoir operations upstream and the related task of managing water temperature at those facilities.
In Their Own Words.
Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Andrea Travnicek framed the move as a benefit for households and growers. “Increasing water allocations means more reliable water for California’s farmers, families and communities, supporting food production, local economies and greater affordability,” she said.
Reclamation’s California-Great Basin Acting Regional Director Adam Nickels pointed to the year’s changing conditions. “While conditions this year have been dynamic, careful monitoring and water supply management provide for updated water allocations to our south-of-Delta contractors while continuing to meet project operational requirements,” he said.
Connection to Federal Policy.
The agency tied the action to Executive Order 14181 and described it as part of the Trump administration’s effort to improve water supply reliability, strengthen the delivery system, and reduce regulatory delays. Reclamation said the work supports food production, economic stability, and community resilience across California.
About the Central Valley Project.
Reclamation manages the Central Valley Project, one of the nation’s largest water storage and delivery systems. It provides water to farms, cities, wildlife refuges, and other beneficial uses throughout California.
The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior. It is the nation’s largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Its facilities also provide flood control, recreation, and environmental benefits.
Pictured: Delta Mendota Canal and O’Neil Forebay via Bureau of Reclamation news release.
