Central Valley Project announces initial allocation; statewide snowpack remains below average

March 5, 2026

Snow blankets mountains near the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducted the third media snow survey of the 2026 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Photo courtesy of Ken James/ California Department of Water Resources.

Recent water allocation announcements provide an early look at Santa Clara County’s imported water supplies for 2026, as statewide snowpack continues to recover from earlier dry conditions.

On Feb. 26, 2026, the Bureau of Reclamation announced that initial Central Valley Project allocations south of the Delta are 65% for municipal and industrial use and 15% for agricultural use. For Valley Water, this means about 90,000 acre-feet of water.

Valley Water also receives imported water through the State Water Project, operated by the California Department of Water Resources. On Jan. 29, officials increased the State Water Project allocation to 30% of requested supplies, up from an initial 10%. For Valley Water, this represents approximately 30,000 acre-feet of water for Santa Clara County.

These allocations may change based on the remaining rainy season. Final allocations are typically announced in the spring.

On Feb. 27, DWR conducted its third snow survey of the season in the Sierra Nevada. Following a series of February storms, the statewide snowpack measured 66% of average for this date. Meanwhile, major reservoirs statewide are at 122% of average storage for this time of year.

Snowmelt and rain from the Sierra Nevada typically provide about half of Santa Clara County’s water supply, known as imported water. Imported water is a key part of Valley Water’s diverse supply portfolio, which also includes local reservoirs, recycled water and groundwater recharge. As climate change increases weather variability, Valley Water continues to evaluate supply and storage investments through its Water Supply Master Plan to help ensure a reliable, clean water supply for future generations.

Valley Water manages an integrated water resources system that includes the supply of clean, safe water, flood protection and stewardship of streams on behalf of Santa Clara County's 2 million residents. Valley Water effectively manages 10 dams and surface water reservoirs, three water treatment plants, an advanced recycled water purification center, a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, nearly 285 acres of groundwater recharge ponds and 333 miles of waterways. We provide wholesale water and groundwater management services to local municipalities and private water retailers who deliver drinking water directly to homes and businesses in Santa Clara County.