Intra-Regional Transfers and Exchanges

The ability to fully manage water for use within the Sacramento Valley is a central part of an integrated water management program.

As the state's water system was developed in reliance on water that originates in the Sacramento Valley, federal and state officials made continual promises that watershed of origin needs could always be fully utilized in the Sacramento Valley. These promises are generally known as the area of origin provisions in state law. Local water management, including intra-regional water transfers and exchanges, helps assure that these promises are fulfilled by allowing the full utilization of water resources within the watershed of origin.

Sacramento Valley water users over the past decade have been involved in an intense effort to develop an integrated water management program which would allow them to use existing water supplies to meet not only existing needs, but also projected future needs in the Sacramento Valley. If successful, these water users can substantially reduce the amount of additional water that would need to be committed to the area of origin. To fully accomplish this, however, Sacramento Valley water users must have the flexibility to pursue surface and groundwater management within the Sacramento Valley without interference from water users outside the watershed. This includes neighbor-to-neighbor water transfers and exchanges, which are consistent with the area of origin principles.

Water management for use within the Sacramento Valley is necessary to ensure that California's most precious resource can be put to reasonable and beneficial use to the maximum degree practicable, while at the same time protecting water rights, the environment and the citizens that reside within the watersheds of origin.