The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has announced an allocation reduction for the State Water Project (SWP). Initially, the allocation announced in December was for 10 percent of requested supplies …
DWR Releases Groundwater Document Seeking Public Comment
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) recently released the draft California’s Groundwater report and has opened the public comment period. The document details the condition of the state’s groundwater supplies. Technical information …
Secretary Vilsack Declares Drought Conditions in California
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has designated 50 counties in California as being primary natural disaster areas because of recent drought conditions. In a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, Secretary …
Understanding the California Water Futures Market
California has recently established a water futures market that has brought with it some criticism as well as confusion. As the first of its kind in the country, it will …
California Snow Levels Low, Matching Water Storage Levels
The latest snow survey highlighted the disparity in California snow levels between regions. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) performed the third manual snow survey at Phillips Station. Readings indicated …
Low Initial CVP Allocations Met with Disappointment
The Bureau of Reclamation has released the initial water allocations for Central Valley Project (CVP) contractors for 2021. Low CVP allocations reflect drier than average winter conditions combined with lower …
Ag Lender Perspective on Water Futures and Groundwater Trading
Water futures and groundwater trading was the central focus of the most recent meeting of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. Several panelists and speakers weighed in on …
Snowpack Increases, But ‘Still Nowhere Near Out of the Woods’
California experienced some important snowpack increases but levels are still below average according to the most recent snow survey. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted the second manual …
California Growers Bracing for Major Rain Event This Week
After intermittent rainfall over the weekend, growers are preparing for a major rain event to come through California this week. The National Weather Service has issued multiple winter storm warnings …
Storm Weather Bringing Much Needed Snow to California
After a rather dry start to the water year, storm weather on the horizon should bring some much-needed snow to California. Rain and snowfall in many areas of California over …
Industry Groups Urge New Administration to Address Water Infrastructure
A large group of agricultural organizations and water districts are calling for more federal support to address water infrastructure. More than 200 organizations sent letters to President-elect Joe Biden and …
Locally Driven Water Initiatives Critical for Helping Guide National Assistance
Locally driven efforts are critical for helping to guide national conservation assistance initiatives. Several leaders of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently heard from industry members about water quantity …
Snowpack at 93 Percent of Average in First 2021 Snow Survey
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) performed the first 2021 snow survey at Phillips Station Wednesday morning. Measurements highlight an optimistic outlook for the water year despite a dry …
Appropriations Bill Includes Support for Friant-Kern Canal Improvements
The Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations and COVID-relief package includes funding support for making Friant-Kern Canal improvements. A total of $206 million will be used to repair areas of the water …