For Immediate Release
Contact: Elizabeth Jonasson
(559) 241-6233
Westlands Water District Statement on Bureau of Reclamation’s Action 5
Today, the Bureau of Reclamation signed the Record of Decision for Action 5, which updates the long-term operations of the Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Project (SWP). These operational refinements reflect a thoughtful, data-informed approach that strengthens water supply availability for growers while maintaining California’s commitment to environmental stewardship. In less than a year’s time, Reclamation developed and adopted Action 5 for a water management operation that benefits communities, agriculture, and the environment alike.
Westlands has long advocated for the need to modernize regulations through a common-sense approach that strikes a balance between supporting a resilient and strong agricultural economy, quality drinking water, and a healthy environment. By operating within the existing environmental review, Reclamation was able to move quickly and responsibly to deliver on President Trump’s Executive Order 14181, directing federal agencies to maximize water deliveries, and adhering to Executive Order 14303, implementing the Gold Standard of Science. Action 5 is also consistent with the direction in Executive Order N-16-25, issued by Governor Newsom to state agencies to maximize water supplies.
Westlands is grateful for the Trump Administration’s rapid development and adoption of Action 5, resulting in focused changes to the CVP operations plan that was adopted last December, while providing the same or better environmental and ecosystem protections as last year’s plan.
“These changes will help ensure that our growers have the water they need to support local communities and the nation’s food supply, while also protecting California’s wildlife,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager, Westlands Water District. “Action 5 is a testament to what can be accomplished with a data-driven, results-focused adaptation to water supply operations.”
For Central Valley Project South-of-Delta agricultural contractors like Westlands, Action 5 is expected to deliver an average of 85,000 acre-feet per year of additional water. This increased supply will help keep more land in production, reduce reliance on groundwater, support the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, and strengthen the economic vitality of the region.
Key elements of Action 5 include:
- Removal of the Delta Smelt Summer and Fall Habitat Action (Fall X2): Based on the 2024 USFWS Biological Opinion, this action is not believed to yield benefits to Delta smelt.
- Elimination of Early Implementation Measures for Healthy Rivers and Landscapes/Voluntary Agreements: Early implementation was anticipated, but is no longer possible in the near-term, nor are the processes needed to evaluate the effects of early implementation.
- Updated Delta Operating Criteria: The Old and Middle River (OMR) requirement is set at no more negative than -5,000 cfs (from -3,500 cfs), or higher during certain conditions. Fisheries monitoring and evaluations conducted over the past 20 years have demonstrated a low, nearly insignificant, effect on endangered aquatic species at this level.
- Revised Governance Structure: Ensures that any actions restricting water supply are based on population-level benefits to listed species, using predictive tools for real-time environmental assessment and decision-making.
These changes are grounded in the best available science and ensure that environmental protections remain robust, while water supply improves. Westlands remains committed to continuing to work with all stakeholders to advance California’s water supply and management. Together, we can achieve a water system that works well for people, food production, and the environment.
###
About Westlands Water District
Westlands Water District is recognized as a world leader in agricultural water conservation and has served the farmers and rural communities on the west side of Fresno and Kings counties for more than seven decades. As stewards of one of California’s most precious natural resources, Westlands continually invests in conservation and champions farmers deploying innovative irrigation methods based on the best available technology.