The State Water Project has finally updated its allocation for south of the Delta to 85 percent of contracted water. The Department of Water Resources said earlier this week they didn’t know when or if it would increase from 60 percent but spokesman Ted Thomas says they announce allocations as soon as they can, even if it’s after farmers set out their spring planting. “One of the worst things that could happen to a farmer is to plan based on a 60 percent allocation and then have it cut back to 40 percent.” Thomas says damage to the Oroville spillway is still preventing 100 percent deliveries, but having the San Luis Reservoir full is important because it’s south of the Delta and no subject to pumping curtailment to protect fish.

Sean Michael Lisle