Orland Project Water Management Act

H.R. 4970 would amend federal law to increase flexibility in water transfers from the Orland Project, a Bureau of Reclamation facility in Glenn County, California. Currently, the Orland Project can only transfer water to the Central Valley Project (CVP) when the California governor requests temporary drought assistance. The bill would remove this restriction and allow water transfers whenever surplus water is available, subject to approval by the Orland Unit Water Users Association and the Secretary of the Interior.

Proponents argue the bill would help address water supply challenges in the Sacramento Valley region. By allowing surplus water from the Orland Project to be transferred to nearby agricultural areas, the legislation could reduce reliance on groundwater pumping and support farming communities facing water shortages. The bill includes safeguards requiring that transfers be consistent with CVP purposes and that existing water rights be protected.

The bill is currently under committee consideration following subcommittee hearings in September 2025. The Department of the Interior has expressed support for the measure, stating it would provide greater local autonomy to move water where needed most once the Orland Project's own water needs are met.