Bureau Increases CVP Allocations for South-of-Delta Contractors by ACWA Staff May 27, 2026 Water News SACRAMENTO – The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is increasing Central Valley Project’s 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. Announced May 19, 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, the Bureau announced the following changes to CVP water supply allocations: South-of-Delta Contractors Irrigation water service and repayment contractors south-of-Delta received an increase from 20% to 25% of their contract total. Municipal and industrial water service and repayment contractors received an increase from 70% to 75% of their historic use, or public health and safety needs, whichever is greater. Eastside Division contractors received an increase 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,” Acting Bureau Regional Director Adam Nickels stated in a news release. “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.” The Westlands Water District issued a statement expressing disappointment in the allocation amount. “While we appreciate the Bureau’s ongoing effort to update allocations as conditions evolve, and recognize the significant operational constraints involved in balancing reservoir management, temperature requirements for fish, and the many competing demands placed on the Central Valley Project (CVP), this allocation update falls short of our growers’ water needs,” stated Westlands Water District General Manager Allison Febbo. The Bureau 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 May 19. Water supply updates are available on the Bureau’s California-Great Basin Region website.
