Utilities and cities across California secured a victory Thursday in a water dispute that hinged on contracts between the federal government and local agencies. U.S. District Judge Jennifer Thurston granted summary judgment to the U.S. Interior Department and a host of cities and agencies, dismissing the case against them. A coalition of environmental groups, headed by the North Coast Rivers Alliance, failed to persuade her that Central Valley Project water deliveries require judicial approval. After years of litigation, the environmental coalition had one remaining claim: that no water delivery by a federal reclamation project to an irrigation district could occur without a proper court confirming the contract.

Other water legal and litigation news:

• SJV Water (Bakersfield, Calif.): Slew of lawsuits between Friant Water Authority and its own members settled in one fell swoop
• inewsource (San Diego): With $40M price tag to treat ‘forever chemicals,’ Sweetwater Authority backs state bill for help
• Sen. Lena A. Gonzalez: News release: Senator Lena Gonzalez introduces SHINE Water Act