WASHINGTON, DC–Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today says the Bureau of Reclamation’s 2010 Central Valley Project Water Supply allocation has increased for agricultural water service contractors in California’s San Joaquin Valley.
“I am pleased to announce that the water allocation for the hard-hit agricultural water service contractors south of the Delta has increased to 45 percent—up from the 40 percent allocation in May,” said Secretary Salazar. “This latest increase in allocation is a result of favorable weather conditions this spring and better-than-expected pumping conditions in the south Delta.”
Compared to the previous allocation:
· The allocation for Municipal and Industrial water service contractors north of the Delta, including American River and Contra Costa contractors, remains at 100 percent.
· Municipal and Industrial water service contractors’ allocation south of the Delta remains at 75 percent.
· Agricultural water service contractors’ allocation north of the Delta remains at 100 percent.
· Agricultural water service contractors south of the Delta are allocated 45 percent—up from the 40 percent allocation made on May 4, 2010.
· Friant Division agricultural water service contractors’ allocation of Class 1 water supply remains at 100 percent and the Class 2 water supply remains at 30 percent.
· Eastside Division agricultural contractors’ (Stanislaus River) allocation remains at 100 percent of their contract quantities.
· The allocation for settlement contractors with claims to senior water rights along the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers remains at 100 percent of their contract quantities.
· Wildlife refuges’ allocation north and south of the Delta remains at 100 percent of their “Level 2” water.
“Conditions have improved somewhat but California’s Central Valley is still struggling with the effects of three years of drought and water system operational constraints needed to address water quality and fish species of concern in the Delta,” Secretary Salazar said. “The Department, working closely with the state, other water interests, and California’s congressional delegation, is striving to identify and implement short, mid, and long-term improvements to the reliability of water deliveries throughout California while also improving environmental conditions in the Delta.”
Salazar credited the determination and support of Senators Feinstein and Boxer, and Congressional Representatives Miller, Cardoza, Costa, Thompson, and Grace Napolitano, as well as the cooperation of partner agencies, water users and stakeholders for making possible today’s announcement.
