Increase will provide additional water for agriculture, water users, and communities, while improving affordability in California
Delta Mendota Canal and O'Neil Forebay
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation is increasing Central Valley Project 2026 water supply allocations for south-of-Delta contractors reflecting improved water supply conditions and operational flexibility.
“Increasing water allocations means more reliable water for California’s farmers, families and communities, supporting food production, local economies and greater affordability,” said Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Andrea Travnicek. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are making the most of available water supplies and improving delivery certainty so the Central Valley Project can better serve the people and communities that depend on it.”
This action underscores the ongoing commitment of the Trump administration to improve water supply reliability, enhance system resilience, and reduce regulatory delays, consistent with the directives outlined in Executive Order 14181. Efforts under this Executive Order are supporting food production, strengthening economic stability, and fostering community resilience throughout California.
In addition, it will align with existing Central Valley Project upstream reservoir operations and associated water temperature management operations at those facilities.
“Reclamation continues to carefully monitor hydrologic conditions and operate the Central Valley Project to make the most efficient use of available water supplies,” said Reclamation’s California-Great Basin Acting Regional Director Adam Nickels. “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. We remain committed to working closely with our water users and partners to maximize water supply reliability for California communities, agriculture, and the environment.”
Based on current hydrology and updated forecasts, Reclamation is announcing the following changes to CVP water supply allocations:
South-of-Delta Contractors
- Irrigation water service and repayment contractors south-of-Delta are increased from 25% to 28% of their contract total.
- Municipal and Industrial water service, and repayment contractors are increased from 75% to 78% of their historic use, or public health and safety needs, whichever is greater.
All other allocation amounts announced May 19 remain unchanged.
Reclamation manages the Central Valley Project, one of the nation’s largest water storage and delivery systems, providing water to farms, cities, and wildlife refuges, and other beneficial uses throughout California.
Water supply updates are available on Reclamation’s California-Great Basin Region website.
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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits.
