For Immediate Release
Contact: Elizabeth Jonasson
(559) 241-6233
Westlands Water District Responds to
Central Valley Project Initial Water Allocation
Fresno, CA – Today, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) announced the initial water allocation for the Central Valley Project (CVP). Reclamation allocated Westlands Water District (District) and similarly situated contractors 15% of the water each district is entitled to under their contracts.
While this winter has brought some significant snow and rain in January and February, the state has received less precipitation and snow water content compared to average years and the previous winter, and anticipated water export restrictions in the spring due to environmental regulations likely caused Reclamation to be more conservative in their initial allocation this year. However, the District understands the prudence of this moderate initial allocation and hopes late winter/early spring storms may assist in increasing the allocation in the future.
“We recognize mother nature is unpredictable and forecasting water allocation is hard work and challenging. We appreciate the staff at Reclamation for their efforts to deliver water—a critical resource—to our family farmers so they can grow the produce that nourishes not just our region, but beyond,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager, Westlands Water District. “to be resilient to changes in climate and to be prepared for future drought conditions, the District has been focused on implementing solutions like groundwater recharge to replenish our aquifers and working with our farmers to explore alternative use for fallowed land like solar.”
The District remains dedicated to managing fluctuations in water allocation by investing in local projects and programs, adopting innovative water conservation technologies, adjusting crops, and fallowing fields. Additionally, the District encourages our partners at the State and Federal levels to invest in our water management and storage infrastructure and pass sustainable water policies that will support water for our environment, communities, and food production today and for future generations.
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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 westside of Fresno and Kings counties for more than six 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.