Trump-Ordered Dam Water Releases in California Raise Concerns Over Flood Risks and Effectiveness
The sudden release of 1.6 billion gallons of water bypassed state coordination, leaving local officials scrambling and raising questions about its intended wildfire relief purpose.
- President Trump directed the release of 1.6 billion gallons of water from two California reservoirs under an executive order aimed at increasing water deliveries in the state.
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers carried out the releases, which startled local officials who were given only two hours' notice and feared flooding in downstream areas.
- The water, originally claimed by Trump to aid Southern California firefighters, has no feasible route to wildfire-affected areas and was deemed unnecessary by experts and local officials.
- Critics, including Senator Alex Padilla, condemned the lack of coordination and potential risks to agricultural land and communities, calling the move reckless and poorly planned.
- Water experts warn that the releases could harm long-term water reserves, especially if California faces future drought conditions.
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