West Fresno County farmers’ water allocations increased, reducing groundwater pumping need

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Key Takeaways
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• Federal officials raised south-of-Delta water allocations from 28% to 31%.
• West Fresno County farmers will receive more water this fall under the increase.
• Westlands said surface water can reduce groundwater pumping under SGMA.

Farmers in west Fresno County will receive an increase in allocation of water this fall as federal officials anticipate better-than-expected water supply conditions.

The Bureau of Reclamation announced Tuesday it was boosting the water allocation for south-of-Delta contractors from 28% to 31%.

“This additional water will help meet the needs of farms and communities across California,” said Acting Regional Director Adam Nickels in a news release. “Through continued collaboration with our water users and stakeholders, Reclamation is working to improve water supply reliability and make the most of available water supplies.”

The bureau manages the Central Valley Project, one of the nation’s largest water storage and delivery systems, providing water to farms, cities, wildlife refuges and other beneficial uses throughout California.

Officials with Westlands Water District, the largest single contractor in the Central Valley Project, were grateful for the increase, saying it will be put to good use.

“While allocation increases this late in the water year are unusual, the latest hydrologic data shows there is water available in our reservoirs that can be put to beneficial use now,” said Allison Febbo, general manager of Westlands Water District. “Making that water available to growers is a prudent and responsible decision, particularly with the potential for an El Niño-driven wet winter ahead.”

Scientists say the expected arrival of El Nino during December 2026 to February 2027 will produce above-average temperatures across the northern U.S., with wetter-than-average conditions likely across the southern U.S., from California to Florida.

Febbo added that having available surface water now also helps growers meet the goals of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act by reducing the need for groundwater pumping and preserving critical groundwater reserves for future dry years.

“This is exactly the kind of thoughtful, science-based water management that supports both our agricultural communities and California’s long-term water sustainability goals.,” she said.

All other allocation amounts announced by the Bureau of Reclamation May 19 remain unchanged.

This story was originally published October 27, 2026 at 2:24 PM.