Reclamation raises the 2026 Central Valley Project south-of-Delta allocation to 28 percent
The Bureau of Reclamation increased 2026 CVP south-of-Delta agricultural allocations from 25 to 28 percent and municipal from 75 to 78 percent in mid August, the fourth increase of a year that began at 15 percent with a record-low snowpack.
- SOD agricultural allocation
- 28% (from 15% in Feb)
- SOD municipal allocation
- 78%
- April 1 snowpack
- 18% of average
- Westlands supplemental water
- $550 to $800/AF
What happened
Reclamation raised the 2026 Central Valley Project allocation for south-of-Delta agricultural contractors from 25 to 28 percent, and municipal and industrial contractors from 75 to 78 percent of historic use or public health and safety need, whichever is greater. It was the fourth step of the year: 15 percent in February, 20 in March, 25 in May, 28 in August.
The increases came despite a snowpack that measured 18 percent of average on April 1 with no measurable snow at Phillips Station, and 12 percent by mid May, because reservoirs entered the year full. Westlands Water District said the added water helps growers reduce pressure on groundwater pumping but underscores the need to modernize the state’s water system.
What it means if you own water here
Contract water moved from 15 to 28 percent inside one season, which is the whole argument for why CVP and SWP contract water is an allocation, not a right, and any lease of it should say so. Owners of senior pre-1914 and post-1914 rights are holding the asset that does not move with the allocation announcements.
With no snowpack behind this year’s supply, every acre foot in the San Joaquin Valley is stored and finite until the next wet season. That is the condition under which supplemental water was priced at $550 to $800 per acre foot.
Article Sources
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- Western Water, August 12, 2026. Reclamation raises the 2026 Central Valley water supply for south-of-Delta contractors.
- Valley Voice, August 20, 2026. Westlands Water District response to the updated allocation.
- Bureau of Reclamation news release, February 26, 2026. Initial 2026 CVP allocation (15 percent south-of-Delta agricultural).
- California Department of Water Resources, April 1, 2026. Snowpack at 18 percent of average, no measurable snow at Phillips Station.