Water Transfer of CVP Allocation Between Valley Water and Kern-Tulare Water District

The Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) and the Kern-Tulare Water District (KTWD) are participating in the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) South of Delta Accelerated Water Transfer Program for contract years 2025-2030. Under this framework, which facilitates water transfers and exchanges between March 1, 2025, and February 28, 2030, Valley Water has identified up to 7,500 acre-feet of its 2026-2027 Municipal and Industrial Central Valley Project (CVP) water supply allocation as surplus to its customers' needs. For the 2026-2027 federal water year, Valley Water will request that the USBR transfer this surplus volume to KTWD's existing turnouts. The project will utilize existing water diversion, conveyance, and storage facilities in Santa Clara and Kern Counties, requiring no new construction or expansion of use. Consequently, the project is classified as a categorical exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, Class 1 for existing facilities.