The Friant-Kern Canal. File photo.

California’s first water allocation of the rain year has come down — and based on the initial allocation, water users may need to brace for another dry year.

The Department of Water Resources announced a 5% allocation for the 29 public water agencies the office serves.

Analysts with the department are preparing for a fourth dry year, according to a press release.

“This early in California’s traditional wet season, water allocations are typically low due to uncertainty in hydrologic forecasting. But the degree to which hotter and drier conditions are reducing runoff into rivers, streams and reservoirs means we have to be prepared for all possible outcomes,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth.

Lake Oroville ended this water year at 55% of the dam’s average for that time of year, putting it about 400,000 acre-feet higher than the previous year. Water year 2021 was the lowest storage year on record.

California traditionally receives half its rain and snow by the end of January, so the department will reassess the allocation as time passes and hydrological conditions become clear.

The initial allocation from the department in 2021 was for 0% before a wet December pushed allocation to 15%. Ultimately, the final allocation was 5%, with four state water contractors receiving additional supply based on health and safety needs.

Farming advocates say lack of investment has caused uncertainty and economic hardships for water users of all kinds.

“California has failed to act on critical projects to provide additional water storage, stormwater capture and groundwater recharge that are needed to protect our farms and cities from water shortages in dry years, said California Farm Bureau president Jamie Johansson in a press release.

“Our drought strategy cannot solely be a policy of managing scarcity,” Johansson went on to say.