News Release Archive

Reclamation Increasing Releases into San Joaquin River, Madera and Friant-Kern Canals for Storage Management

Media Contact: Shane Hunt, 916-978-5100, SHunt@usbr.gov

For Release: January 05, 2017

FRESNO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation announced today that it has increased releases into the San Joaquin River, Madera and Friant-Kern Canals to control the rate-of-fill of Millerton Lake and reserve storage for spring runoff. On Jan.4, flow releases from Friant Dam into the San Joaquin River were increased to 1,250 cfs. Beginning today, Jan. 5, flows are anticipated to be further increased in 500 cfs increments until they reach 5,000 cfs around 4:00 p.m. Although flow releases are planned to hold steady at 5,000 cfs, flows may be further increased depending on updated forecasts and existing conditions.

Consistent with the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Agreement, Reclamation is also making Recovered Water Account (RWA) water available to Friant Contractors who have a positive RWA balance. This water is sold at a total cost of $10 per acre-foot and proceeds are used to support the Restoration Program.

Landowners and recreationists are cautioned to be aware of stage changes that may occur on the San Joaquin River and at Millerton Lake.

Information on Daily Operations of Friant Dam can be found on Reclamation's Central Valley Operation Office website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvo.

Reclamation may modify this schedule of flood releases at any time to protect public safety; interests along the San Joaquin River are urged to seek the most updated information on releases and river flows. Reclamation's South-Central California Area Office (SCCAO) will coordinate the availability and delivery of this water. The distribution of this amount is based on hydrologic analysis and proration based on contract type and quantities. For additional information, please contact Alicia Forsythe, San Joaquin River Restoration Program Office at 916-978-5464 (TTY 800-877-8339) or Michael Jackson, SCCAO at 559-487-5116.

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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. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.