Reclamation increases Central Valley Project 2026 water supply allocations for south-of-Delta contractors

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation is increasing Central Valley Project 2026 water supply allocations for south-of-Delta contractors following continued modest improvements in reservoir storage and spring runoff conditions across California's water system.

This allocation update reflects improved operational flexibility and hydrologic conditions resulting from April storm activity, strong carryover storage, and coordinated reservoir management efforts that allowed water managers to capture additional runoff while continuing to meet environmental and flood control requirements.

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 20% to 25% of their contract total.
• Municipal and Industrial water service and repayment contractors' south-of-Delta allocations are increased from 70% to 75% of their historic use, or public health and safety needs, whichever is greater.
• Eastside Division Contractor are increased from 0 to 49,000 acre-feet.

All other allocation amounts announced March 24 remain unchanged.

"Careful coordination and improved spring runoff conditions have strengthened overall system storage and allowed us to make additional water supplies available to south-of-Delta contractors," said Acting Regional Director Adam Nickels. "While the Sierra snowpack has for the most part dissipated earlier than usual due to a warm spring, current reservoir storage and operational conditions support this incremental increase while maintaining prudent management of the CVP system."

California's major reservoirs remain at or above average storage levels for this time of year following coordinated efforts to maximize capture of spring runoff. Recent precipitation in April provided additional inflows into the system and reduced demands on stored water supplies. San Luis Reservoir and other key project facilities continue to benefit from these improved conditions.

At the same time, Reclamation emphasized that hydrologic uncertainty remains due to the rapid decline in Sierra Nevada snowpack. Statewide snowpack conditions have been well below average this year following an early seasonal peak and accelerated spring melt. Reclamation will continue to closely monitor conditions and adjust operations as necessary to maintain balanced management of water supply, environmental requirements, and reservoir storage heading into the summer months.

Operational improvements supported by Executive Order 14181 continue to enhance Reclamation's ability to optimize project operations and efficiently move available water supplies through the system while meeting applicable regulatory requirements.

Reclamation continues to reserve a portion of storage in San Luis Reservoir as part of its drought reserve strategy. These reserves are not included in and supplementary to the current year allocation determinations updated today.

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.