WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement in response to the Bureau of Reclamation’s (Reclamation) initial 2023 water allocation announcement for Central Valley Project (CVP) contractors. Reclamation announced an initial allocation of 35% 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 75% of their historic use.

“Compared to recent years where CVP water users received zero percent of their water allocation, these initial allocation numbers are welcome news, but no one is celebrating just yet,” said Congressman Valadao. “Central Valley users deserve the water they contract and pay for, and we must ensure these allocations are not reduced as the water year progresses. Taking advantage of increased rainfall by maximizing what can be moved at all times through the Delta and storing more water instead of sending it out to the ocean needs to be a priority. Our family farms, local economies, and ability to grow food for the nation will not survive without a reliable water supply for South-of-Delta agriculture.”

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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