Temporary Water Transfers from 2026 to 2030

The Butte Water District is implementing a project for temporary one-year water transfers over a five-year period from 2026 through 2030, located in Butte and Sutter Counties. The project involves the transfer of up to 21,000 acre-feet annually, including up to 14,000 acre-feet from crop idling transfers. Santa Clara Valley Water District holds the first right of refusal for these transfers, with the option for the District to transfer water to other buyers in the state, such as those in Sacramento County, if the first right is not exercised. The project was officially approved on April 21, 2026, following the completion of an Environmental Impact Report and the establishment of mitigation and monitoring plans. The project is managed by the Butte Water District with consulting support from Provost and Pritchard Consulting Group. It adheres to the California Environmental Quality Act and involves extensive coordination with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Native American Heritage Commission to mitigate impacts on biological resources and protect tribal cultural resources. Key requirements include the confidentiality of tribal information and specific protocols for the treatment of inadvertently discovered Native American human remains. Administrative activities include the payment of environmental filing fees to the Butte County Clerk-Recorder and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.