California Projects 5% Initial Water Allocation for 2025 Amid Dry Outlook

State officials cite record heat, dry conditions, and La Niña concerns but note allocations may rise with winter precipitation.

The California Department of Water Resources announced an initial allocation of just 5% from the State Water Project for 2025, down from last year's initial 10%.
The allocation forecast reflects concerns about dry soils, record-breaking summer heat, and the potential for a La Niña year, which often brings drier conditions.
Heavy storms in late November, which boosted reservoir levels, were not included in the initial forecast, leaving room for potential allocation increases in the coming months.
California's reservoirs, including Lake Oroville and Lake Shasta, currently hold above-average water levels, but officials stress the need for consistent rain and snow through winter.
The state continues to face long-term challenges in water management, with calls for increased storage capacity to better handle climate-driven precipitation extremes.