Newsom Orders Boosting Water Storage Amid Atmospheric River

Sacramento, CA

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Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order Friday aimed at maximizing California’s water storage capacity as an atmospheric river system is expected to bring significant precipitation to the northern half of the state. Wet weather returned to Northern California on Friday and is expected to continue through next week.

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Newsom’s order would make it easier to divert and store excess water from the storms, his office said in a news release.

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This comes as President Donald Trump continues to criticize water management in the state in response to the recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The president recently directed federal agencies to maximize water supplies in California.

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On Friday, the president posted a photo on X of “beautiful water flow” that he claimed to have “just opened” in California. The president provided no other specifics, including the location and what water system he was referring to. The governor and state water officials had not directly responded to the president’s claim as of Friday night.

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State officials have maintained that California currently has ample water supplies and that the disaster in Los Angeles was unrelated to a lack of overall state water.

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Newsom’s order directs the Department of Water Resources and other California agencies to take action to maximize the diversion of excess flows, boosting the state’s water storage. These actions are designed to help replenish both above-ground and groundwater storage after multiple years of drought.

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“It is more important than ever that we maximize every opportunity to recharge our groundwater supplies,” Newsom said in a news release. “As we anticipate rain and snow in Northern California, we are also preparing to use every last drop to boost our water supply for communities and farms throughout the state. By storing these stormwaters, we are creating a literal rainy day fund to help us recover from a multi-year drought and prepare for our hotter, drier future.”

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The order coincides with the state’s second snow survey of the season, which found that the snowpack was below average. According to Newsom’s office, the state has invested more than $9 billion to boost California’s water supplies over the past three years. Last year, the state’s groundwater storage increased for the first time since 2019.

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In addition to the executive order, Newsom also deployed additional resources in anticipation of storm-related emergencies. For example, more swift water rescue crews and fire engines were deployed in El Dorado and Nevada counties.