Metropolitan Water District General Manager Deven Upadhyay issues the following statement on the California Department of Water Resources’ announced initial State Water Project allocation of 10%:

“As in past years, this initial allocation is conservative, reflecting current weather conditions and reservoir levels, while prudently assuming drier conditions for the remainder of the year. Recent storms are encouraging, and we remain hopeful that a productive wet season will increase State Water Project supplies that are so vital to Southern California.

“However, history reminds us that conditions can change quickly. This is why storage is an invaluable asset and our safeguard against inevitable dry periods. Metropolitan is projecting to end the year with 3.8 million acre-feet of water in storage – matching the record level reached in 2024. This milestone reflects decades of investment in storage capacity and, just as importantly, the continued conservation ethic practiced by the people and businesses of Southern California to lower demands.

“While our focus today is on the State Water Project supply, we are also monitoring conditions on another critical supply for Southern California – the Colorado River Basin – where the snowpack has had a slow start and is currently at about 42% of normal. Together, these two imported supplies provide half of all the water used in Southern California.

“With smart management of these supplies, wise water use, strategic investments, and continued cooperation across the state and within the Colorado River Basin, we can be well-prepared for the years ahead.”

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