Westlands Water District leader Allison Febbo characterized Tuesday’s announced 5% federal water allocation increase as “disappointing” in light of California’s full reservoirs while also calling for more investment in new water infrastructure. “While an increase is appropriate, given current reservoir levels and snowpack, a 5% increase is disappointing and highlights a critical reality: Even in average hydrological years, California’s outdated water system falls short of delivering the water our communities require,” said Febbo. … The Bureau of Reclamation’s increase means that the Central Valley Project’s South-of-Delta ag contractors such as Westlands will receive 55% allotments. All north-of-Delta CVP contractors are receiving 100% allotments. Municipal and industrial water service and repayment contractors will receive a 5% boost to 80% of their historical use, or public health and safety needs, whichever is greater, the Bureau said.

Other Central Valley Project news:

• Bureau of Reclamation: News release: Reclamation announces another increase in 2025 Central Valley Project water supply allocations
• Sierra Sun Times (Truckee, Calif.): Bureau of Reclamation announces another increase in 2025 Central Valley Project water supply allocations
• The San Joaquin Valley Sun (Fresno, Calif.): Reclamation provides “disappointing” water allocation increase
• KSEE/KGPE (Fresno, Calif.): Valley water allotment ‘disappointing,’ Farm Bureau says endangered species part of issue