California’s Department of Water Resources (DWR) has increased the 2026 State Water Project (SWP) allocation to 30% of requested supplies, up from the initial 10% announced Dec. 1, following mid-December storms that boosted available water supplies. … Despite the recent dry conditions, California’s reservoirs remain well above average, at 125% of typical storage statewide. Lake Oroville, the SWP’s largest reservoir, is currently at 138% of average for this time of year. DWR also pointed to increased operational flexibility following a December amendment to the project’s Incidental Take Permit, which allows adjustments to certain fish protection actions during storms. 

Other State Water Project news:

• Tehachapi News (Calif.): Tehachapi’s 2026 water prospects rosy despite ongoing State Water Project concerns
• Santa Clara Valley Water District: News release: State Water Project allocation increased despite below-average Sierra snowpack​