Central Valley Water Solution Act
Sponsored By: Representative Gray
Introduced
Summary
This bill would boost federal investment in California's Central Valley by funding a package of groundwater and water-storage projects. It focuses on recharge, groundwater banking, water quality treatment, and fixes to major canals to improve supply reliability.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
15 provisions identified: 14 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Arvin‑Edison recharge and treatment funds
If enacted, this bill would authorize multiple appropriations for Arvin‑Edison projects: $12.9 million (DiGiorgio), $8.1 million (Frick), $13.4 million (Panama), $28.3 million (Sandrini), and $174 million for recovery wells and groundwater quality treatment. Projects must comply with NEPA and water quality requirements. The funds would build pipelines, wells, and treatment that support recharge, conjunctive use, and water quality for the district and communities.
Build reverse-flow pumpback systems
If enacted, this bill would authorize $280 million for a lower Delta-Mendota Canal reverse-flow project and $25 million for an upper Delta-Mendota Canal pumpback project. The projects would allow stored or flood water to be moved into San Luis Reservoir or sent back to northern contractors to reduce drought shortages. They would be built only after environmental review and fish and water quality protections. These changes would increase storage and delivery flexibility for districts and farms.
Connect two reservoirs for storage
If enacted, this bill would authorize $800 million to build the Turlock Irrigation Intertie connecting New Melones and Don Pedro reservoirs. The work would increase regional storage and connectivity and must comply with NEPA and fish and water quality rules. The project would help the Turlock Irrigation District, regional water managers, and communities that rely on Central Valley water supplies.
East San Joaquin groundwater banking
If enacted, this bill would authorize $360 million for groundwater banking, in‑lieu recharge, groundwater treatment, and storage projects in the East San Joaquin Valley. Projects would require environmental review and fish and water quality protections. This funding would help local water agencies, farms, and communities store water and improve supply reliability.
Fix sinking in major canals
If enacted, this bill would authorize $830 million for the Delta-Mendota Canal and $850 million for the San Luis Canal/California Aqueduct to fix subsidence that reduced conveyance capacity. The projects would restore original water flow capacity and address safety and operational concerns. Work would need to follow environmental laws like NEPA and fish and water quality protections. Restoring these canals would help farmers and water districts get more reliable water deliveries.
Restore Friant-Kern canal capacity
If enacted, this bill would authorize $730 million for remaining pre-construction and construction work to restore the Friant-Kern Canal's design capacity. Funding would pay for embankment and lining raises and structure changes between named canal checks. Projects must follow NEPA and fish and water quality obligations. Restoring capacity would help Friant-Kern operators and regional water users get more reliable deliveries.
Westlands recharge and treatment money
If enacted, this bill would authorize $85 million for Westlands recharge basins and $30 million for two reverse‑osmosis plants and eight high‑capacity wells to reclaim about 20,000 acre‑feet to drinking quality. Projects would follow NEPA and water quality protections. The work would improve groundwater percolation and provide reclaimed drinking water for the district and nearby communities.
Del Puerto reservoir funding
If enacted, this bill would authorize $1.01 million to advance construction of an 82,000 acre‑foot Del Puerto Canyon reservoir on Del Puerto Creek. The project would aim to add south‑of‑Delta storage, support disadvantaged communities, and provide flood protection for Patterson. The project would require environmental review and water quality protections.
Environmental and local coordination rules
If enacted, this bill would require the Secretary and funded projects to follow all applicable environmental laws, including NEPA, and to meet fish, wildlife, and water quality obligations. The bill would also require coordination and agreements with affected Indian Tribes, the State of California, and local public agencies. These rules would guide project design and require local consultation during implementation.
Pixley joint groundwater bank funds
If enacted, this bill would authorize $25 million to build a 560‑acre Pixley joint groundwater bank in phases. The project would include recovery wells, pipelines, a new turnout, and pilot tests and is expected to finish about 2 to 3 years after funding is available. Projects must meet NEPA and water quality obligations and would help district farmers manage water supplies.
Rancho de Kaweah groundwater bank
If enacted, this bill would authorize $30 million for Lindsay‑Strathmore Irrigation District to build up to 1,200 acres of the Rancho de Kaweah groundwater bank in phases. Funding would pay for recovery wells, pipelines, a new turnout, and pilot tests to set recharge and recovery rates. Projects would be subject to NEPA and water quality protections and benefit participating agricultural users.
Seaborn Reservoir berms and pumps
If enacted, this bill would authorize $23 million to build an internal berm and inlet/outlet pump facilities off the St. Johns River for the Seaborn Reservoir and to do native habitat improvements. Projects must follow NEPA and water quality and fish and wildlife protections. The work would support local irrigation needs and habitat.
Shafter‑Wasco groundwater bank build
If enacted, this bill would authorize $55 million to build 3,000 acres of groundwater banking for the Shafter‑Wasco Irrigation District. Funds would pay for recovery wells, pipelines, a new turnout, and pilot studies. Projects would follow NEPA and water quality rules. The bank would help district farmers and participants store and recover water.
Tracy recycled water and ASR wells
If enacted, this bill would authorize $10 million to expand City of Tracy recycled water and $22 million to install four aquifer storage and recovery wells. Projects would include pumps and pipelines to the Delta‑Mendota Canal and must meet NEPA and water quality rules. The work would expand water reuse and storage for Tracy residents and local CVP contractors.
No cost‑share for most grants
If enacted, this bill would say most funds under this section are not reimbursable and do not require matching or cost sharing. The bill also says the Exchange Contractors planning study may be treated differently and could be subject to cost sharing or reimbursement. Contracts under the section generally would not count as new or amended contracts for certain Reclamation rules. The change would lower immediate local matching obligations, except for the named planning study.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Gray
CA • D
Cosponsors
Costa
CA • D
Sponsored 12/11/2025
Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]
CA • D
Sponsored 12/11/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov