Mar 25, 2021

Reclamation updates Central Valley Project 2021 water supply allocation

The Bureau of Reclamation announced March 23 an update to the initial Central Valley Project 2021 water supply allocation for agricultural water service contractors south-of-Delta.

Allocation amounts are based on an estimate of water available for delivery to CVP water users and reflects current reservoir storages, precipitation, and snowpack in the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada.

“Although conservative hydrologic data was used to develop the initial CVP water supply allocation, inflow projections to CVP reservoirs have decreased from February forecasts, which further constrain available water supply,” Regional Director Ernest Conant said in a news release. “After careful consideration of water management options, we are adjusting the allocation for south-of-Delta agricultural contractors. As always, we will continue to monitor hydrology as the water year progresses and continue to look for opportunities for operational flexibility.”

Northern California has about 51% of average precipitation for this time of year; statewide average snowpack levels are at 63% of average. Ongoing dry conditions will require the coordination of federal, state and local agencies. Today, the California Department of Water Resources, which operates the State Water Project, is expected to announce a reduction in its anticipated water supplies.

Due to worsening hydrologic conditions, Reclamation is announcing the following update to the initial 2021 CVP water supply allocation:

• Agricultural water service contractors south-of-Delta allocation of 5% of their contract supply is not available for delivery until further notice.

There are no updates to other CVP allocations at this time.

As the water year progresses, changes in hydrology and opportunities to deliver additional water will influence future allocation decisions.

Water supply updates will be made as appropriate and posted here.

Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western states.