California, September 4, 2025
News Summary
California is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement for proposed North-to-South Water Transfers, aimed at addressing water supply challenges. The Bureau of Reclamation plans to assess impacts from transferring water from Northern to Southern California, with public engagement through virtual scoping meetings. The initiative aims to meet existing water demands without creating new demands, starting as early as 2028.
California is set to undergo a significant environmental review as the Bureau of Reclamation has announced plans to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for proposed “North-to-South Water Transfers.” This initiative is aimed at evaluating the potential impacts of moving water from sellers in Northern California to buyers located in the southern parts of the state and the San Francisco Bay Area, starting as early as 2028.
The core intention behind these water transfers is to meet the existing water demands of southern regions without generating new demands, addressing the ongoing challenges posed by California’s fluctuating water supply. As part of this process, the Bureau will conduct a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review to thoroughly assess the potential impacts associated with these proposed transfers.
To ensure public involvement, the Bureau of Reclamation has scheduled two virtual public scoping meetings to take place during mid-to-late September. These meetings are designed to inform the public about the EIS and gather valuable input regarding its scope and potential alternatives. Following the meetings, written comments regarding the content of the EIS will be accepted until October 3. Comments can be submitted via mail or email to Nicole Johnson at the Bureau of Reclamation in Sacramento.
The EIS will specifically analyze a defined range of potential water transfers primarily from upstream sellers in Northern California, particularly those in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, to buyers situated south of the Delta and in the San Francisco Bay Area. This proposal aligns with California’s history of utilizing water transfers as a strategic approach to water resource planning. Such transfers are commonplace in the state, especially to mitigate reduced water supplies and fulfill anticipated existing demands.
The Bureau has already published a notice of intent in the Federal Register regarding the EIS, marking the official start of the environmental assessment process. If approved, these annual water transfers would be considered on an as-needed basis, reflecting California’s ongoing challenges in balancing water availability with demand.
Background
Water resource management in California has long been a complex issue due to the state’s diverse climate characteristics and significant seasonal rainfall variations. Water transfers have emerged as an effective tool in the state’s water management strategy, allowing regions with surplus water to sell or transfer that water to areas facing shortages.
The proposed North-to-South transfers come at a critical time when many areas in Southern California continue to grapple with persistent drought conditions and increasing population demands. Addressing these challenges through organized water transfers could play a vital role in ensuring sustainable water availability for households, agriculture, and industry alike.
Key Information
- What: Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for North-to-South Water Transfers
- Who: Bureau of Reclamation
- Where: Northern California to Southern California and the San Francisco Bay Area
- When: Proposed transfers starting in 2028; public meetings in September
- Public Input: Written comments accepted until October 3
Timeline for Public Comment and Meetings
- Public Scoping Meetings: Mid-to-late September
- Written Comment Deadline: October 3
FAQ Section
What are the North-to-South Water Transfers?
These are proposed initiatives to transfer water from sellers in Northern California to buyers in Southern California and the San Francisco Bay Area, set to start in 2028, aimed at meeting existing water demands without creating new demands.
How can the public participate in the EIS process?
The public can participate by attending two virtual scoping meetings in September and submitting written comments to the Bureau of Reclamation by October 3.
What is the purpose of the Environmental Impact Statement?
The EIS aims to assess the potential environmental impacts of the proposed water transfers and evaluate alternatives to inform decision-making.
Key Features of North-to-South Water Transfers
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiation | Start as early as 2028 |
| Water Source | Northern California (Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta) |
| Water Recipients | Southern California and San Francisco Bay Area |
| Public Meetings | Scheduled for mid-to-late September |
| Comment Period | Until October 3 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Action News Now: Water Transfer Meetings Set for Northern California
- Wikipedia: Water Transfer
- Maven’s Notebook: Public Scoping Meetings for California’s Water Transfers
- Google Search: California Water Transfers
- New York Times: California Delta Water Opinion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California Water Supply
- Sacramento News & Review: Newsom’s Water Official Collaboration
- CBS News: Water Transfers in El Dorado and Placer Counties
- UC Davis Aggies: Football Signing Class Announcement
- Google Search: California Water Resource Management
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
