1. Executive Order Benefits Delivered Significant Water Supply Gains The district gained approximately 200,000 acre-feet of additional water this year due to a federal executive order that changed fish protection rules. Instead of automatically restricting pumping whenever fish are detected at pumps, regulators now assess whether pumping actually harms overall fish populations. This enabled early termination of first flush actions (~60,000 acre-feet), Winter Run Chinook protections (~16,000 acre-feet), and more flexible storm operations (50,000-100,000 acre-feet). For example, when green sturgeon detections exceeded limits—which previously would have triggered 90,000-100,000 acre-feet in pumping restrictions—operations continued because regulators determined the population wasn't being harmed.
Already have an account? Sign In
