News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces the 2006 Central Valley Project Water Supply Allocation

Media Contact: Jeffrey S. McCracken, 916-978-5100, 02/15/2006 22:33

For Release: February 15, 2006

The Bureau of Reclamation today announced the first Water Year 2006 water supply allocation from the Federal Central Valley Project (CVP). Reclamation prepared two forecasts. Water supplies projected in the first forecast are associated with dry hydrological conditions that have a 90-percent chance of exceeding the projection. Water supplies in the second forecast are for median hydrological conditions that have a 50-percent chance of exceeding the projection. This initial announcement of the available water supply allocation is based on the February 1, 2006, runoff forecast prepared by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).

Mid-Pacific Region
Water Year 2006 Water Allocation
February 2006

 

North of Delta (percentages of contracted water allocated)

South of Delta (percentages of contracted water allocated)

 

Ag

M&I*

R

WR

Ag

M&I*

R

WR

Dry Forecast

Above Normal
96% of Avg

100

100

100

100

65

90

100

100

Median Forecast

Wet
115% of Avg

100

100

100

100

65

90

100

100

Recent Historic Average (5-Year Average Allocation)

92

97

100

100

70

93

100

100
* Municipal and Industrial water allocation are based on historical deliveries.

Trinity River - Record of Decision Water Supply The Trinity River year type is currently projected to be in the "Wet" category in both the Dry and Median Forecasts. Wet year releases will total 701,000 acre-feet.

Decisions on the allocations are made based on the following: " Meeting State of California Water Rights permits and licenses " Meeting water supply, water rights contracts, and Sacramento River settlement agreements " Implementing the Trinity River Mainstem Restoration Record of Decision.

In both the Dry and Median forecasts, the water supply available for the CVP Eastside Division contractors (Stanislaus River) is projected to be 100 percent (155,000 acre-feet).

The Friant Division deliveries for Water Year 2006 are projected to be 1,010,000 acre-feet, or 67 percent of the historic water supply of 1.5 million acre-feet. The preliminary allocation for the Friant Division contractors will be 100 percent Class 1 water, which equates to 800,000 acre-feet. The remaining 210,000 acre-feet may be allocated as 15 percent Class 2 water or uncontrolled season. The projected Friant Division delivery of 1,010,000 acre-feet is based on DWRs dry-year forecast (as of February 14, 2006). As of February 14, 2006, precipitation in the San Joaquin River Basin is 25.38 inches for the water year compared to 35.21 inches this time last year.

Throughout the precipitation season, updated information will be provided as conditions warrant. Changes to hydrology, opportunities to exercise operational flexibility of the CVP, and opportunities to utilize Joint Point of Diversion at the State Water Project are all factors and conditions that will have an influence on allocations as the year progresses. Reclamation and the other agencies remain committed to working closely to resolve both short-term and long-term water reliability and operational flexibility issues. In the coming months, monthly forecast updates will be posted on the Central Valley Operations Web site at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvo/ .

# # #

The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Reclamation Announces the 2006 Central Valley Project Water Supply Allocation