Californians receive first 100% water allocation since 2006

Water availability in California has made a 180-degree turn in 2023.

Drought pressures plagued the Golden State at the beginning of the year, but after an unexpected series of atmospheric rivers this spring that inundated the state with precipitation and flooding, water districts are now set to receive 100% requested water deliveries for the first time in almost two decades.

This week the California Department of Water Resources confirmed yet another increase in the State Water Project deliveries for 2023. The new projection that 100% of water supplies will be delivered is up from a March estimate of 75%, according to a news release from the agency.

Increased water supply and careful management of reservoirs during this extreme winter allows the state water resources department to maximize deliveries, Director Karla Nemeth said in the release.

Related news: Reeling from another round of storms, California growers fight to recover farmland from flooding

“We are exceedingly grateful to [the U.S. Bureau of] Reclamation, and its dedicated and hard-working staff, for the increased water allocation. Following two years of 0% allocations, this announcement will provide much needed water to support the district’s communities, family-owned farms, and hard-working families in the San Joaquin Valley. This water supply will assist growers in Westlands with putting the land to work to grow the food that feeds the world,” Jose Gutierrez, Westlands Water District’s interim general manager, said in a response statement.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s April 20 update, 91% of the state is free of drought conditions. No areas of California remain in severe, extreme or exceptional drought conditions.

“Given the positive snowpack and reservoir levels throughout the Central Valley Project, the San Luis and Delta-Mendota Water Authority is pleased to see another increase in water allocations for Authority member agencies,” Federico Barajas, executive director of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority, said in a statement. “I’d like to extend appreciation to the Bureau of Reclamation for their work in navigating the complexities of this water year, which began with preparations for a third year of drought and quickly transitioned into flood management.”

While California’s surface water availability has greatly improved following three years of drought, challenges remain in the northern part of the state and in “over-drafted groundwater basins” that millions of Californians rely on, which have been slower to recover, according to the According to the state Department of Water Resources.

“The Colorado River Basin, which is a critical water supply source for Southern California, is still in the midst of a 23-year drought,” the department said in a news release. “Californians should continue to use water wisely to help the state adapt to a hotter, drier future.”

Adjusting to a highly variable new normal  

“While this year has brought a much needed respite from the dry conditions that our members have experienced for the last three years, we know that California’s hydrology is becoming increasingly variable and dry conditions could return quickly,” Barajas, of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority, said in the release.

Capturing water in years like 2023 is a critical piece of a sustainable water strategy, Barajas added.  

“Infrastructure and regulatory improvements to maximize the storage and movement of water when its available can create a more sustainable future for our member agencies and the communities and ecosystems they serve,” Barajas said in the release.

Nemeth, the state water resources department director, said the agency is moving and storing “as much water as possible” for future community, agriculture and environmental benefit.

“We must recognize the need to continue preparing for the next drought and future dry years,” said Gutierrez of the Westlands Water District. “For that reason, Westlands is investing in a sustainable water future for our farmers. Westlands is exploring and implementing creative approaches to maximize water use efficiency, recharge and storage and improve climate resilience.”  

According to an agency statement, the Gov. Gavin Newsom adminstration, in partnership with the California Legislature, has prioritized actions to secure and safeguard California's water supply, such as:

• Respond to the Tulare Lake Basin flood.
• Expand water supply and storage by 1.1 million acre-feet.
• Issue executive orders to capture and store more water.
• Fast-track groundwater recharge.
• Maximize stormwater capture.
• Expand water storage above and below ground.
• Advance clear, ambitious water supply and resiliency targets.
• Modernize water infrastructure.