News Release Archive

Reclamation updates 2020 Central Valley Project water supply for Settlement Contractors, Exchange Contractors, and wildlife refuges

Media Contact: Mary Lee Knecht, 916-978-5100, mknecht@usbr.gov

For Release: April 13, 2020

Central Valley Project
Central Valley ProjectSacramento, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation today announced an update to the Central Valley Project water supply for Sacramento River Settlement Contractors, San Joaquin River Exchange and Settlement Contractors, and Level 2 refuges.

This update stems from a recent determination of a “Shasta Critical Year,” a term defined in specific water contracts. In general, a Shasta Critical Year occurs when the forecasted inflow to Shasta Lake for a particular water year is equal to or below 3.2 million acre-feet.

"While we were all hoping for a 'miracle March' after February landed as record dry, we were not so fortunate," said Regional Director, Ernest Conant. "Although March did bring some wetter weather across California, it ended up being relatively dry for Shasta inflow. Announcing the Shasta Critical determination now will give time for our water contractors to plan their season accordingly."

Based on California Department of Water Resources' April 1 water supply forecast and current hydrologic conditions, Reclamation is announcing a decrease in water supply for the following water contractors:

  • Sacramento River Settlement Contractors, whose water supply is based upon senior water rights and subject to pre-established Shasta Reservoir inflow criteria, are updated to 75% of their contract total as specified in applicable contracts.
  • San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors and San Joaquin River Settlement Contractors are updated to approximately 75% of their contract supply as specified in applicable contracts.
  • Wildlife refuges, which also have water supply subject to pre-established Shasta inflow criteria, are updated to 75% of their Level 2 water supplies.
Water supply allocations for all other water contractors serviced by the CVP continue to be evaluated and will be updated as appropriate. Water supply updates will be posted at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvp-water/index.html.

For additional information, please contact the California-Great Basin public affairs office at 916-978-5100 (TTY 800-877-8339) or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

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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.