Reclamation announces public scoping meetings for California’s North-to-South Water Transfers

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation today published a notice of intent in the Federal Register to prepare an environmental impact statement for proposed "North-to-South Water Transfers" in California.

As the lead agency, Reclamation will conduct a National Environmental Policy Act review to evaluate the potential effects of annual water transfers beginning as soon as 2028. The EIS will analyze a defined range of potential transfers from willing sellers in Northern California primarily upstream of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to buyers located primarily south of the Delta and in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Water transfers are a common tool in water resource planning to supplement decreased water supplies and meet anticipated existing demands. These water transfers would be proposed and considered for approval on an annual basis as needed to help meet existing demands and would not serve any new demands.

Two virtual public scoping meetings are scheduled for mid to late September to inform interested parties about the project and gather input on the EIS scope and alternatives under consideration.

Reclamation will accept written comments on the proposed content and scope of the EIS through Oct. 3. Comments may be submitted by mail (postmarked by Oct. 3) or email to:

Nicole Johnson
Bureau of Reclamation
2800 Cottage Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
Email: [email protected]

Additional details on the virtual meetings and project information are available at: North-to-South Water Transfers| California-Great Basin.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits.