Water Users Respond to 2026 Water Plan
Association says Reclamation’s Annual Operations Plan sets framework for the Klamath Project, but final irrigation allocations remain pending until April 1
KLAMATH FALLS, ORE. - Yesterday, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) released its 2026 Annual Operations Plan for the Klamath Project.
The plan outlines how water will be managed during the 2026 water year and establishes the operational framework for irrigation deliveries, Upper Klamath Lake elevations, and Klamath River flows under Biological Opinions that were adopted in 2024 by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Fisheries Services).
Specifically, the Plan identifies a goal of up to 350,000 acre-feet of Project water supply by maximizing stored water in Upper Klamath Lake for irrigation, dependent on hydrologic conditions, and staying in compliance with the 2024 Biological Opinions.
“While the Plan provides the parameters for how water will be managed this year, it does not yet translate into a confirmed allocation for irrigators,” said Elizabeth Nielsen, KWUA Executive Director. “That determination is expected by April 1. Until then, we are closely monitoring conditions and coordinating with Reclamation to ensure irrigation needs are fully considered as final decisions are made.”
Reclamation will continue assessing hydrologic conditions and working with the Fisheries Services, KWUA, and irrigation districts to adaptively manage the 2026 water year in accordance with the 2024 Biological Opinions.
“Adaptive management was instrumental in carrying the Project and the Basin through the 2025 water year,” said Scott Seus, KWUA President. “2025 was a critical reset year. We saw farms and ranches in full operation, landscape-scale benefits from a hydrated system, functioning wildlife refuges, and improved habitat conditions for fish and wildlife. Through close coordination and real-time decision-making, we were able to navigate potentially challenging conditions. We are hopeful that the same adaptive and collaborative approach will be applied in 2026 so we can build on last year’s progress, despite a less-than-ideal snowpack.”
While adaptive management has helped navigate recent water years, significant concerns remain regarding the current regulatory framework for the Project, which was set in late 2024. The 2024 Elizabeth Nielsen, Executive Director Scott Seus, KWUA Board President framework largely divides water supplies without a clear regulatory logic, rather than applying the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in a manner consistent with the law’s intent or with the way other federal water projects in the West are managed.
This approach makes Project and Basin-wide planning difficult and inconsistent.
Looking ahead, KWUA remains engaged in the upcoming ESA reconsultation process for the Project and the completion of a new and greatly improved framework for long-term water management by the 2027 irrigation season. KWUA is committed to ensuring that Klamath Project management aligns with irrigation and refuge needs, ESA requirements and sound science, in a manner consistent with the rules that apply to other federal water projects across the West.
We look forward to continued coordination with irrigation districts, tribes, and federal agencies as we navigate the 2026 water year and beyond.
Cover image: KWUA.
