On March 28, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted its final snow survey of the season, revealing the statewide snowpack to be 90% of average. Additionally, most of the state’s reservoir levels are above average for this time of year, reinforcing a positive water supply outlook for Santa Clara County through 2025.
On March 25, DWR announced a 40% State Water Project allocation, up from 35% in February. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation confirmed a Central Valley Project allocation of 75% for municipal and industrial and 40% for agriculture. While below average due to delta restrictions, these allocations play a vital role in supporting the needs of Santa Clara County, as approximately half of our water supply comes from outside the county.
“We’re grateful for a third consecutive year with a strong snowpack in the Sierra Nevada,” said Valley Water Board Chair Tony Estremera. “Although allocations are below average, the healthy levels of our reservoirs and local groundwater, along with our ongoing conservation efforts, provide a promising outlook for the upcoming year. However, we know that droughts in California are not a matter of if, but when. We must stay vigilant and continue investing in water supply infrastructure to provide for future generations.”
Valley Water remains committed to long-term water supply reliability through strategic investments such as the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project and the expansion of water purification and recycling programs. While our community benefits from this year’s encouraging outlook, preparing for future droughts and the impacts of climate change remains a top priority.
We thank Santa Clara County residents and businesses for using water wisely and supporting efforts to secure our region’s water future.
Photo credit: Snow blankets the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducts the fourth media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. The snow survey is held approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Photo taken March 28, 2025. Ken James / California Department of Water Resource