Westlands Water District to get increased water allocations

Today’s announcement brings the total up to 100% for the first time since 2017.  

In response to the announcement, Jose Gutierrez, Westlands’ interim general manager, issued the following statement: 

“We are exceedingly grateful to Reclamation, and its dedicated and hard-working staff, for the increased water allocation. Following two years of 0% allocations, this announcement will provide much-needed water to support the district’s communities, family-owned farms, and hard-working families in the San Joaquin Valley. This water supply will assist growers in Westlands with putting the land to work to grow the food that feeds the world,” he stated.

“At the same time, we must recognize the need to continue preparing for the next drought and dry years.  For that reason, Westlands is investing in a sustainable water future for our farmers.  Westlands is exploring and implementing creative approaches to maximize water use efficiency, recharge, and storage and improve climate resilience,” added Gutierrez.

Seizing this year’s hydrology opportunity, Westlands has supported its landowners’ efforts to use available water to recharge the Westside Subbasin.  To date, District landowners can recharge up to 3,300-acre feet of water per day. And groundwater recharge is expected to increase over the coming weeks as more projects become operational and water becomes available.  

This year demonstrates the need to continue the investment in California’s water infrastructure and to refine environmental regulations so that California can capture, transport, and store as much water as possible during wet periods to avoid drastic cuts during dry periods.  As the climate changes, we must remain steadfast in investing in a more predictable and reliable water supply system for our environment, residents, farms, and communities.