Imperial Irrigation District backs fast-tracking California Delta Conveyance Project

The Imperial Irrigation District (IID), recognized as the largest irrigation district in the United States, has formally endorsed Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to expedite the Delta Conveyance Project. The project aims to modernize California’s State Water Project and ensure water security for a significant portion of the state’s population.

Governor Newsom emphasized the urgency of moving forward with infrastructure improvements. “For too long, attempts to modernize our critical water infrastructure have stalled in endless red tape, burdened with unnecessary delay. Californians are overwhelmingly begging our legislature to quickly get projects done — it is time for the Legislature to get this vital infrastructure completed. I urge our Legislature to listen to the voters and water users throughout the state, so that we can better store and manage water to prepare for a hotter, drier future,” said Newsom.

The IID Board of Directors adopted a resolution supporting the project this week. Although IID does not receive water from the State Water Project, its endorsement highlights concerns about statewide water scarcity and recognizes that system improvements benefit all users.

The State Water Project is managed by the Department of Water Resources and supplies water to 27 million people as well as 750,000 acres of farmland across California. The system includes canals, hydroelectric generators, and pumping plants stretching from Oroville to Riverside. Costs for operating this network are covered by local public water agencies.

California has experienced increased climate variability over recent decades, leading to both droughts and floods that impact water resources across the state. Without new measures like those proposed in the Delta Conveyance Project, officials warn that reliable delivery of water may decline further in coming years.

Supporters argue that expanding conveyance capacity will improve supply reliability while maintaining environmental protections for fisheries and water quality. For example, during last year’s atmospheric river events, additional conveyance could have captured enough water for nearly 10 million people’s annual use.

Governor Newsom first outlined his commitment to updating delta conveyance infrastructure during his initial State of the State address. Since then, steps have included certification of an environmental impact report by DWR in December 2023 and securing financial backing from agencies serving most Californians. However, regulatory complexity continues to slow progress on construction.

Newsom’s current proposal seeks legislative action to streamline permitting processes and confirm funding authority in order to prevent further delays on what he describes as essential work for California’s future resilience.