News Release Archive

Federal And State Water Projects Plan More Integrated Operations

Reclamation And DWR Call For Increased Project Integration Consistent With CALFED Objectives

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, jmccracken@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: July 29, 2003

The operators of California's two largest water projects are working on a draft proposition that would provide greater efficiency in meeting the state's water needs while also advancing the implementation of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program.

The draft proposition by the Bureau of Reclamation, operators of the Central Valley Project (CVP), the Department of Water Resources (DWR), operators of the State Water Project (SWP) and contractors of both systems identifies a number of mechanisms for additional integration of the two projects that will more efficiently allow them to manage their projects and improve water supplies.

The draft proposition was developed during meetings between the state and federal project operators and representatives from their respective contractors when reviewing operations proposed within Reclamation's Operating Criteria and Plan (OCAP). Reclamation, in coordination with DWR, is developing the OCAP in preparation of consultation on the water projects with fishery agencies regarding endangered species. The draft proposition deals with several other key elements: Conveyance of water south of the Delta, the South Delta Improvements Program, north-of-Delta accounting of water under a 1986 coordinated operations agreement, sharing of benefits from additional state export ability, water transfers, reservoir coordination above and below the Delta, and sharing under the Phase 8 Sacramento Valley water management settlement program Delta Improvements Program.

The project operators anticipate meeting with fishery agencies within the next few weeks to discuss how the draft proposition would be integrated with the Environmental Water Account, protection for endangered species and efforts to improve water quality.

The document will undergo rigorous agency and public review to insure it benefits all interests. It is available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/cvp/DraftPropOperations.pdf

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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.

Relevant Link:

Draft Proposition