Federal Government Cuts Water Supply To California Farmers

As California enters the third year of severe drought, federal officials announced on Wednesday, February 23, that they won't deliver any water to farmers in the state's major agricultural region.

According to the Associated Press, the decision will force many to plant fewer crops in the soil that provides a bulk of the nation's fruits, nuts, and vegetables. “It’s devastating to the agricultural economy and to those people that rely on it,” said Ernest Conant, regional director for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. “But unfortunately we can’t make it rain.”

The federal government operates the Central Valley Project in California, which is a complex system of dams, reservoirs, and canals. According to AP, water agencies contract with the federal government for certain amounts of water each year. Every February, the federal government announces how much of those contracts can be fulfilled based on how much water is available.

Last year, farmers started with a 5% allocation but ended at 0% as the drought worsened. This year, farmers are starting at 0% while water for other purposes like drinking and industrial uses is at 25%.

The water system operated by the state government is also struggling. In December, officials also announced a 0% allocation but upgraded that to 15% allocation in January after strong December storms.