The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) is increasing water allocations for some California users while Washington’s Yakima Basin continues to struggle with drought.
Central Valley Project irrigation contractors south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta will receive 28% of their contracted supply in 2026, up from 25%, while municipal and industrial contractors will receive 78% of historic use, up from 75%.
In Washington, Yakima Basin is entering its fourth consecutive year of drought after winter snowpack came in at less than half of normal. The agency said senior water rights holders are expected to receive their full allocation, while junior users are projected to receive 58%, up 2% from July. Despite the increase, BOR said low reservoir inflows mean there likely will not be enough water to meet all agricultural needs
