The Federal Bureau of Reclamation is increasing the amount of water available for Fresno County farmers through the Central Valley Project dam and canal system.

On Monday, the bureau said it would boost the allocation for south-of-Delta water users, including the Westlands Water District, to 50%, up from the 40% announced in March.

Acting California-Great Basin Regional Director Adam Nickels said the increased allocation abides with President Donald Trump’s executive order increasing water for Central Valley farmers.

“Today’s increase in allocations reinforces our commitment to achieving the objectives outlined in Executive Order 14181, which seeks to maximize water supplies within the Central Valley Project,” Nickels said in a statement. “We are pleased that today’s optimization of available water supplies will continue to support California farmers and the communities we serve.”

California Snow Levels Near Average

Westlands Water District General Manager Allison Febbo said the increase helps support farmers and the economy. But she said more work needs to be done to store water during wet periods so it’s available in drier years like these.

“The increase comes as a result of plentiful storms in the Northern portion of the state, resulting in full reservoirs and high river flows,” Febbo said. “While we are grateful for the improved hydrology and the bureau’s dedication to maximizing water supply, this year again reinforces the critical and urgent need to fix California’s broken water system and restore balance.”

The California Data Exchange Center reports snow levels near average for this time of year. As of Monday, the snow-water equivalent was about 17.6 inches in the Central Sierra, the center reports. That represents 63% of the April 1 average, compared to 77% in a normal year.

April 1 is a baseline measuring date.

In the Southern Sierra the snow-water equivalent Monday was 9 inches, 59% of the April 1 average. In a typical year it would be 74%.