According to DWR, California’s snowpack peaked on April 4 at 100 percent for the season and now that snowpack is starting to melt and flow into California’s watersheds and reservoirs.

“This winter, water managers were able to navigate extreme swings between wet and dry conditions thanks in part to new operating permits that allow increased flexibility in operations to move water into storage while protecting endangered species,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “Our full reservoirs will allow us to help meet the needs of the State Water Project contractors and their customers this year as well as provide some water supply next year in the event that dry conditions return.”

Lake Oroville, the SWP’s largest reservoir, is 95 percent full and San Luis Reservoir in Merced County is 83 percent full. DWR anticipates that Lake Oroville could reach capacity this spring, which would mark the third straight year the reservoir has filled.

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All other Central Valley Project contract allocations remain the same per the March 27 water supply update.

“Today’s increase in allocations reinforces our commitment to achieving the objectives outlined in Executive Order 14181, which seeks to maximize water supplies within the Central Valley Project,” stated Acting California-Great Basin Regional Director Adam Nickels. “We are pleased that today’s optimization of available water supplies will continue to support California farmers and the communities we serve.”

Following the announcement, Westlands Water District General Manager Allison Febbo had this to say, “The recently announced increase to our CVP water supply allocation is welcome news. The families, farms, and communities served by Westlands Water District rely wholly on CVP water supply, which serves as lifeblood to grow food, support local jobs, and sustain the region’s economy. The increase comes as a result of plentiful storms in the Northern portion of the state, resulting in full reservoirs and high river flows. While we are grateful for the improved hydrology and the Bureau’s dedication to maximizing water supply, this year again reinforces the critical and urgent need to fix California’s broken water system and restore balance. We must do a better job of securing, storing, and managing water during relatively wet periods like these so that it’s available in dry years. We remain committed to continuing to work with state and federal partners to advance durable solutions that improve water supply for all Californians.”

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“This is one of those rare situations where the fish, the environment and the farmers all win,” said Yuba Water General Manager Willie Whittlesey.

A key element of the agreement is a planned Nature-Like Fishway – a channel resembling a natural river – that salmon, steelhead, green and white sturgeon and Pacific lamprey can use to safely get around the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Daguerre Point Dam to reach more than 10 miles of healthy spawning habitat in the lower Yuba River.

It also includes a modernized water diversion at the dam that will protect fish while ensuring irrigators continue to have access to surface water needed to maintain South Yuba County’s vibrant agricultural economy.

The partners plan to begin constructing the project in early 2026.

A second component of the Yuba River Resilience Initiative is a reintroduction program to support recovery efforts of spring-run Chinook salmon in the North Yuba River above New Bullards Bar Dam.

That effort is being led by CDFW and the initial implementation, started as a pilot project last year, is already showing early signs of success. More than 500 juvenile spring run chinook salmon have been counted in recent months following the injection of salmon eggs across a 12-mile stretch of gravel riverbed of the North Yuba River just east of Downieville.

“When we come together – local, state and federal government – and focus on how we can work together to find creative solutions that will work for all of us, we can really accomplish great things,” Whittlesey said.

The agreement includes an initial Yuba Water investment of $30 million for construction of the Nature-like Fishway, totaling more than $100 million over time for maintenance, as well as ongoing support of salmon reintroduction efforts. CDFW has also committed $30 million toward the effort.

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DWR’s Turf Replacement Pilot Program provides direct assistance to replace ornamental turf with drought-tolerant and water-efficient landscaping in California’s frontline communities. Supported by the Budget Act of 2021, the program is investing $35 million in communities that are on the frontlines of climate change, lack reliable water supplies, and need support with restoring natural environments. The program will provide hands-on support with lawn removal and direct installation of water-wise alternatives for residential, commercial, and institutional landscapes at no additional cost.

“DWR is investing in California businesses and schools to help our communities become more water resilient in the face of climate uncertainty,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “Replacing thirsty ornamental lawns helps ensure that water is available for critical indoor residential needs, manufacturing, agriculture, and the environment when dry conditions inevitably return.”

DWR plans to target up to five communities and a number of special project sites throughout the state for this pilot program, focusing on underrepresented and Tribal communities.

All projects, including those yet to be determined, are expected to be completed by 2027.

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The holes were suspected when staff observed water ponding on top of the cover last week — indicating a possible leak near the just-repaired section.  Divers then confirmed the additional small tears and pin-sized leaks.

So, now LADWP will have to re-drain the reservoir to make the additional repairs, which the agency says could take three to four more weeks.

“The fact that the initial repairs and inspection by the contractor did not detect the small tears and pinholes on the floating cover is troubling, especially since LADWP required the contractor to fully test the repairs prior to refilling the reservoir. While this development is a frustrating setback, we are working as quickly as possible with the contractor to return Santa Ynez Reservoir to service,” said Anselmo Collins, Senior Assistant General Manager – Water System.

As work to repair and refill the reservoir continues, staff is also investigating alternatives to replace the floating cover.

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The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has developed a comprehensive Golden Mussel Response Framework to address the threat.

“Taking coordinated action to address this invasive species will help safeguard critical water infrastructure like the State Water Project from the negative impacts golden mussels can pose to water delivery systems,” said John Yarbrough, DWR Deputy Director for the State Water Project. “Using this new framework and close collaboration with partner agencies, DWR will implement strategies to address this invasive species and minimize impacts by monitoring for the mussels in SWP waters and developing a mitigation plan.”

Native to East and Southeast Asia, golden mussels range from three-quarters of an inch to two inches in size and have yellowish-brown shells. They reproduce quickly and spread easily through infested waters.

Golden mussels pose a significant threat to California’s natural ecosystems, water infrastructure, agriculture, and economy. If left unchecked, golden mussels can alter aquatic ecosystems by filter-feeding on planktonic algae and changing the habitat structure which can damage fisheries, impact water delivery systems by clogging small-diameter pipelines, screens, and filters, and impact recreation by fouling boat hulls and motors and clogging intakes and cooling lines.

Officials say that boaters are urged to clean and dry their equipment to prevent the spread of mussels. According to DWR, cleaning aquatic plants and animal material from your boat, trailer, or equipment along with draining water from water-containing devices can help stop the spread of the invasive mussels.

For more information regarding the golden mussel, visit DWR’s website.

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