- Reclamation
- California-Great Basin
- Water Transfer Information
Water Transfer Information
Since the 1970s, the Mid-Pacific Region of the Bureau of Reclamation has recognized the practice of transferring water from one water user to another through authorized legislation, Secretarial directives, policy statements, transfer agreements, and water transfer guidelines.
Water transfers can be an effective incentive for improved water management, as well as a way to promote water conservation, particularly in drought years, as long as transfers are consistent with state and federal law.
The Region continues to facilitate transfers of both Central Valley Project (CVP) and non-CVP water. The transfer of CVP-water may occur as long as it is consistent with the transfer provisions set forth in §3405(a) of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA), and the transfer of non-CVP water is consistent with California State Law. Non-CVP water transfers requiring the use of Federal facilities for conveyance and/or storage are supported through Warren Act contracts.
To increase the efficiency of the logistical and administrative processes of water transfers that require Reclamation approval or conveyance through Federal facilities, Reclamation created the Water Transfer Brochure. The Brochure is a general guidance document on communicating, preparing, and submitting a proposal, and presents estimated timelines for associated requirements and actions necessary to effectuate a transfer.
- Water Transfers Brochure: Guidance and Information for Water Transfers, November 2013 (PDF - 1.9 MB)
(Note: This report is not 508 Compliant/Not VI Compliant) - Central Valley Project (CVP) Water Transfer Program Fact Sheet, Revised February 2015 (PDF - 50 KB)
Sheri Looper, 916-978-5556
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