Bureau of Reclamation's Water Contract Status Report
Published Date: 3/5/2026
Notice
Summary
This report shares updates on water contracts managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, affecting farmers, cities, and businesses that rely on project water. It highlights new, ended, or ongoing contract changes that impact water delivery and payments, helping everyone stay in the loop about water use and costs. Expect updates on contract deadlines and money matters that keep water flowing smoothly through 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 3 mixed.
Quarterly water contract updates published
The Bureau of Reclamation published its quarterly status report listing proposed, new, discontinued, and completed water service, repayment, and other water-related contract actions. The notice informs farmers, cities, and businesses that rely on project water about contract changes, deadlines, and money matters through 2026.
1,100 AFY Colorado River water assignment
A proposed assignment would transfer 1,100 acre-feet per year (AFY) of Arizona fourth-priority Colorado River water entitlement from Beattie Farms Southwest to the Hualapai Tribe under contract No. 05-XX030-W0446. This is listed as a new contract action in the Lower Colorado Basin region.
Reimbursable spillway repair repayment
Reclamation entered a repayment contract under the Safety of Dams Act with the South Cache Water Users Association to cover the reimbursable portion of costs to repair the spillway at Hyrum Dam; this contract was completed on April 17, 2025. The contract allocates reimbursable repair costs to the association.
Irrigation water converted to miscellaneous uses
Water users on the Strawberry Valley Project requested and completed a conversion contract under the Sale of Water for Miscellaneous Purposes Act to convert project irrigation water to miscellaneous purposes; this was completed on September 18, 2025. The change converts irrigation entitlements to other authorized uses.
Multi-year wheeling agreements completed
Reclamation completed negotiation of multi-year long-term 'wheeling' agreements with the State of California Department of Water Resources to convey and deliver Central Valley Project (CVP) water through State facilities to Byron-Bethany Irrigation District (Musco Family Olive Company) and Del Puerto Water District. This appears as a completed contract action in the California-Great Basin region.
CAP water lease for calendar year 2025
A Central Arizona Project (CAP) water lease was completed for calendar year 2025 involving the San Carlos Apache Tribe and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. The notice lists this as a completed contract action in the Lower Colorado Basin region.
Short-term surplus water sales skip public notice
The notice states that the public participation procedures do not apply to proposed contracts for the sale of surplus or interim irrigation water for a term of 1 year or less. That means short-term (≤1 year) surplus water sales may proceed without the full public participation process described in the notice.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06411 — Quarterly Status Report of Water Service, Repayment, and Other Water-Related Contract Actions
This report shares updates on water contracts managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, affecting farmers, cities, and businesses that rely on project water. It highlights new, ended, or ongoing contract actions that impact how water is delivered and paid for, with some changes possibly affecting costs or timing soon. Everyone depending on these water projects should stay tuned for updates that could influence their water use and budgets.
2026-03776 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Recreation Survey Questions
The Bureau of Reclamation wants to keep using its recreation survey questions to learn how people enjoy public lands and water spots. They’re asking for public feedback by March 27, 2026, but no changes or extra costs are expected. This helps make sure the surveys stay easy and useful for everyone who visits these outdoor places.
2026-03654 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Diversions, Return Flow, and Consumptive Use of Colorado River Water in the Lower Colorado River Basin
The Bureau of Reclamation is asking for public feedback on renewing and updating how they collect info about water use from the Colorado River in the Lower Basin. This affects farmers, water managers, and communities relying on this water. Comments are open until March 26, 2026, and the goal is to keep water tracking clear without adding extra hassle or costs.
2026-02687 — Public Meeting of the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Work Group
The Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Work Group is holding a public meeting on February 25-26, 2026, both in-person in Tempe, AZ, and online. This group helps decide how to manage the dam to protect the environment downstream, affecting local communities, wildlife, and water users. No big money changes are announced, but the meeting will share important updates and plans for the dam’s future.
2026-01591 — Change in Discount Rate for Water Resources Planning
Starting October 1, 2025, federal agencies will use a new discount rate of 3.25% for planning water and land projects, up from last year's 3.00%. This rate helps turn future costs and benefits into today's dollars, making it easier to decide which projects are worth it. If you’re involved in water resource planning, this change affects how you calculate project value through September 30, 2026.
2026-00433 — Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Council Notice of Public Meeting
The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Council is holding a public virtual meeting on January 22, 2026, to review progress and plan future efforts to keep the river’s water clean and less salty. This affects communities and farmers relying on the river, with updates from several federal agencies about ongoing projects and budgets. Everyone interested can join online and learn how these efforts protect water quality and support the region’s economy.
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