In a surprising move, the Army Corps of Engineers, following an order from President Trump, released a significant amount of water from two California dams, raising concerns among local farmers and water managers about the implications for agricultural irrigation later in the year. The release took place over three days, allowing water to flow from Terminus Dam into the Kaweah River and from Schafer Dam into the Tule River, ultimately replenishing groundwater but leaving farmers worried about summer water supplies.
The decision, which occurred shortly after Trump’s visit to Los Angeles, where he pledged to increase water availability, has been met with confusion and criticism. Tom Barcellos, president of the Lower Tule River Irrigation District, expressed concern that the timing of the release was inappropriate, as farmers typically rely on water from these reservoirs during the summer months for crop irrigation. “It would have been better utilized if we could keep it there and use it this summer for irrigation,” Barcellos stated, noting that the loss of water amounted to about two days’ worth of maximum summer usage.
Critics argue that the abrupt release of water was more about making a political statement than addressing actual water needs. Local water activist Dezaraye Bagalayos emphasized that such actions disproportionately affect smaller farmers who are already struggling. “The last thing in the world California water management needs is somebody like Trump calling shots when he doesn’t know how anything works,” she said.
The Army Corps of Engineers stated that the water release was consistent with Trump’s recent executive order aimed at maximizing water deliveries. However, the specifics of where the water was intended to go were not clarified, leading to further confusion. Federal records indicate that over 2 billion gallons were released, which has now reduced the levels of Lake Success and Lake Kaweah, both crucial for regional agriculture.
Peter Gleick, a water scientist, criticized the action as a “political photo op,” arguing that the water will not be usable for firefighting, agriculture, or even municipal needs in the immediate future. He warned that California’s water management is a delicate system, and even minor disruptions can lead to significant consequences.
Local water managers were caught off guard by the sudden decision. Dan Vink, a water consultant, described the situation as “extremely unprecedented,” noting that such releases are typically coordinated in advance. Following concerns from local officials, the Corps agreed to reduce the volume of water released but did not delay the initial outflow.
The water districts involved in the management of these reservoirs issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of careful water management and coordination among various stakeholders. They noted that while some of the released water would aid in groundwater recharge, it did not meet the immediate irrigation needs of farmers in the region.
As California faces ongoing drought conditions, with the Tulare Basin experiencing nearly record-low precipitation since October, the implications of this water release may be felt throughout the summer. Local leaders, including Democratic representatives, have called for answers regarding the decision-making process behind the release, highlighting the need for coordination to protect agricultural and municipal water supplies.
With the summer months approaching and the possibility of increased demand for irrigation, stakeholders are concerned about the long-term effects of this decision on California’s already strained water resources.