California Farm Water Coalition

10/05/2026

What's the deal with alfalfa?

Critics question using Colorado River water to grow it, but alfalfa is the main feed behind your milk, butter, yogurt and ice cream. 🍦

6 of the nation's top 10 dairy counties are in California.
California's $8.4B in milk is about 18% of U.S. production.
In the Imperial Valley, farmers get 9-10 cuttings a year, versus 3-4 in cooler states, so more feed comes from the same water and acreage.

Solving the Colorado River's challenges will take collaboration, not division, and productive farmland that feeds America shouldn't be first in line for cuts.

10/01/2026

California has grown from 15 million people to 40 million since our last major reservoirs were built, and we're still debating who should cut back instead of building what we need. Our latest op-ed breaks down why the state needs real water supply solutions, not just more usage reports. Read it here: https://capitolweekly.net/california-needs-more-than-water-usage-reports-it-needs-water-solutions/

California needs more water supply, and state and federal agencies should support, not impede, the projects that can provide it.

09/25/2026

When you pick up a head of lettuce from the grocery store in January or order a salad from your favorite restaurant in February, chances are it was grown by an Imperial, Palo Verde, or Coachella farmer. In 2024, this region produced around $1.1 billion worth of broccoli, lettuce, melons, and other vegetables.

Those farms depend on the Colorado River, one of the most important and most stressed water sources in the American West.

Lake Powell and Lake Mead are at historically low levels, and federal water managers are working to protect the system that supports millions of people, thousands of businesses, and most of the nation’s winter food supply.

California’s farmers have led the way in using the Colorado River as efficiently and effectively as possible. Since 2003, conservation programs, efficiency improvements, and voluntary land fallowing have helped save more than 12 million acre-feet of Colorado River water. In Coachella, local water managers also use river water to replenish groundwater basins, helping secure supplies for future generations.

These conservation efforts demonstrate how water management and food production can work together. Today’s farmers use less water while still producing safe, affordable, high-quality fresh vegetables that Americans depend on all winter long.

That’s truly remarkable.

09/25/2026

When you pick up a head of lettuce from the grocery store in January or order a salad from your favorite restaurant in February, chances are it was grown by an Imperial, Palo Verde, or Coachella farmer. In 2024, this region produced around $1.1 billion worth of broccoli, lettuce, melons, and other vegetables.

Those farms depend on the Colorado River, one of the most important and most stressed water sources in the American West.

Lake Powell and Lake Mead are at historically low levels, and federal water managers are working to protect the system that supports millions of people, thousands of businesses, and most of the nation’s winter food supply.

California’s farmers have led the way in using the Colorado River as efficiently and effectively as possible. Since 2003, conservation programs, efficiency improvements, and voluntary land fallowing have helped save more than 12 million acre-feet of Colorado River water. In Coachella, local water managers also use river water to replenish groundwater basins, helping secure supplies for future generations.

These conservation efforts demonstrate how water management and food production can work together. Today’s farmers use less water while still producing safe, affordable, high-quality fresh vegetables that Americans depend on all winter long.

That’s truly remarkable.

09/23/2026

California has no dedicated, reliable way to pay for water infrastructure. Instead, we have one-off bonds and budget fights, year after year. As a result, projects like Sites Reservoir and Shasta Dam see costs balloon while delivery timelines stretch on for decades. CFWC's Michelle Paul makes the case for a better model, drawing on how Texas just did it differently. Read the full op-ed at the link: https://www.comstocksmag.com/commentary/california-needs-better-way-pay-water-infrastructure-opinion

The new executive director of the California Farm Water Coalition shares thoughts on infrastructure funding models

09/08/2026

Big News: The Unified Water Plan for the San Joaquin Valley is here!

It's a regional roadmap developed by the Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley and the California Water Institute at Fresno State, built from the priorities of Groundwater Sustainability Agencies and water agencies in the Valley.

The plan projects a 2.4-million-acre-foot annual water supply gap by 2040 and identifies a path forward. The focus is on repairing existing canals, expanding groundwater recharge and storage, and investing in regional water infrastructure.

The San Joaquin Valley grows more than 250 crops worth about $24 billion each year, with dairy and livestock adding almost another $10 billion on top of that. That's food that reaches families across California and the country. Keeping that agricultural land productive will take significant investment. Without it, up to 1 million acres of farmland could be fallowed. With it, that shrinks to a managed 120,000 to 400,000 acres.

The roadmap is here. Now comes the work of turning it into action.

08/27/2026

Happy National Peach Day! 🍑

California peaches are sweet, delicious, and grown with water efficiency in mind. In fact, California-grown peaches use water more efficiently than many of our global competitors.

So today, enjoy a California peach and celebrate the farmers who make sure you have a healthy and sustainable food supply!

07/13/2026

California has made incredible progress in water conservation, but conservation alone won't secure our water future.

As weather swings become more extreme, California needs to capture more water in wet years, expand storage, and modernize the infrastructure that delivers water to our communities and farms.

Our latest op-ed explores why investing in water storage, conveyance, and groundwater recharge is critical to building a more reliable water future for California. Read more at the link: https://www.ocregister.com/2026/07/12/conservation-isnt-enough-for-californias-weather-whiplash-we-need-reliable-water/

The question for the next governor isn’t whether they need to act; it’s whether they’re willing to do what the future demands.

07/04/2026

This Fourth of July, as we celebrate 250 years of America, we’re reminded that so much of what we love about this day comes back to the table.

America’s farmers and ranchers make our meals and our holiday celebrations possible. From the fresh fruit and vegetables to the beef, corn, and everything in between, they grow the food that brings us together. And it all depends on reliable water to make it happen.

We’re grateful for the people who have been feeding America for 250 years.

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸🌽🍉

06/26/2026

Reliable and affordable water is essential to keeping California farms productive and our food supply strong.

As California plans for the future, increasing water supplies must go hand in hand with keeping water affordable for the farmers who grow our food. Practical, cost-effective water solutions help strengthen local food production, support rural communities, and build a stronger future for California agriculture.

Read why it matters: https://capitolweekly.net/the-future-of-californias-water-supply/

OPINION — Gov. Gavin Newsom’s comments at the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Conference in Sacramento provided some insight into his definition of success and the direction he believes the state should go.