WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement in response to the Bureau of Reclamation’s (Reclamation) initial 2024 water allocation announcement for Central Valley Project (CVP) contractors. Reclamation announced an initial allocation of 15% for South-of-Delta agricultural repayment and water service contractors. They also announced an initial allocation for Municipal and Industrial repayment and water service contractors of 65% of their historic use.

"Reclamation's initial water allocations are disappointing considering that after three years of exceptional drought, our state was hit last year with enough water to supply farms, communities, and homes for years to come,” said Congressman Valadao. “Unfortunately, much of this water was wasted due to a lack of storage, and now our farmers and communities are paying the price. Considering the rain and larger snowpack we’ve already seen this year; I urge Reclamation to increase these allocations as the water year progresses. Central Valley users deserve the water they contract and pay for.”

Background:

Central Valley agriculture contractors rely on meaningful allocations from Reclamation for their yearly planning. Central Valley farmers and communities have endured disproportionately low water allocations for many years, with contractors receiving well below their contracted supply even during wet years. As a lifelong dairy farmer, Congressman Valadao has experienced firsthand the challenges and frustrations surrounding this issue. He has consistently called for CVP allocations to reflect the needs of the agriculture community, the backbone of the Central Valley economy.

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