California Announces 5% Water Allocation for 2025

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has announced an initial allocation of 5% of requested supplies for the 2025 water year from the State Water Project, a decrease from last year's 10%. This conservative forecast is based on current reservoir levels and anticipated dry conditions due to a potential La Niña year, which may result in extreme storms. DWR Director Karla Nemeth emphasized the need for cautious water management following a summer of record heat that left soils parched. Despite the initial low allocation, there is hope for an increase later in the year, as previous allocations have risen from low initial forecasts due to seasonal precipitation. The recent storms in late November, which brought above-average rainfall, will be factored into future updates on water allocations. The State Water Project serves 29 public agencies, providing water to approximately 27 million Californians across the state.