New Rules Push Smarter Water Use in California's Central Valley
Published Date: 12/29/2025
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Reclamation is updating the rules for how water users in the Central Valley must plan to save water, making sure they use the best and most cost-effective ways to be efficient. These new 2026 rules affect water contractors and aim to boost smart water use, with public comments open until March 30, 2026. This update happens every three years and helps protect water resources while keeping projects on track.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Plans must promote best cost‑effective technology
The 2026 Standard Criteria require that plans promote "the highest level of water use efficiency reasonably achievable by project contractors using best available cost-effective technology and best management practices."
Water contractors’ plans will be evaluated
If you are a Central Valley Project water contractor covered by Section 3405(e) of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act, the adequacy of your water conservation plan will be evaluated under the 2026 Standard Criteria.
Draft available; public comments due March 30, 2026
The Bureau released the draft 2026 Standard Criteria for public review and invited written comments to be submitted on or before March 30, 2026. The draft can be viewed at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare.
Public comment disclosure warning
If you submit a comment, your entire comment—including your address, phone number, email, or other personal identifying information—may be made publicly available. You may ask to withhold your personal identifying information, but the agency cannot guarantee it will be able to do so.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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