(April 2026) — Amid a growing bipartisan call to modernize federal water allocation practices, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) has increased its 2026 Central Valley Project (CVP) water supply allocation for south-of-Delta agricultural contractors, including the Byron-Bethany Irrigation District (BBID) from 15% to 20%.
The increase reflects modest hydrologic improvements following late winter storms, while also highlighting ongoing conversations among lawmakers and water users about how allocation decisions are made and communicated.
For growers and water users in BBID’s CVP Service Area, the updated allocation provides incremental relief. Reclamation stated that the increase is based on improved reservoir storage, snowpack, and runoff forecasts, while emphasizing the need to remain cautious amid an extended dry period.
In a March 23 letter, a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers encouraged Reclamation to continue advancing its allocation process by incorporating more real-time data, improved forecasting tools, and more frequent updates. The letter notes that current methodologies can rely on data that is several weeks old, which may not fully capture rapidly changing conditions such as atmospheric river events.
Lawmakers emphasized that timely and accurate allocation information is critical for growers making decisions about planting, financing, and operations, as well as for water districts planning budgets, infrastructure, and long-term reliability.
BBID’s Warren Act contract remains in place to help ensure grower demands within the Plain View Service Area can be met.
“We’re encouraged to see the allocation increase to 20%, and it reflects improving conditions,” said BBID General Manager Ed Pattison. “At the same time, this year highlights the importance of continuing to refine the allocation process. More timely and data-driven updates would give growers and water agencies greater certainty as they make important decisions throughout the season.”
Reclamation is expected to continue updating allocations as conditions evolve throughout the water year.
