Water releases from Terminus Dam and Schafer Dam
The recent water releases from Terminus Dam (Lake Kaweah) and Schafer Dam (Lake Success) in California’s Tulare County, ordered by President Donald Trump in early February 2025, have triggered agricultural, environmental, and political discussions. Here’s a breakdown:
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Agricultural and Water Supply Impacts
Reduced Reservoir Levels:
Lake Kaweah’s capacity dropped from 21% to 19%, and Lake Success fell from 20% to 18%, releasing over 2.2 billion gallons of water[2]. This water is typically reserved for summer irrigation in the San Joaquin Valley, where farmers face a critically dry year[4].
Releases spiked from 57 to 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) at Terminus Dam and 105 to 990 cfs at Schafer Dam[1].
Farmers now risk shortages during peak growing seasons, potentially increasing water costs and threatening crop viability[4].
Groundwater Trade-offs:
While some water seeped into basins for groundwater recharge—helping address chronic over-pumping—experts argue the timing wasted water needed for summer[2]. Local managers called it a “minor inconvenience” but criticized the lack of coordination[7].
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Political and Operational Controversy
Uncoordinated Federal Action:
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers executed the releases without consulting local water districts, deviating from established flood-control protocols[6]. Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) warned this could “exponentially” raise water costs for farmers[7].
Lawmakers demanded explanations for bypassing safety rules and questioned the rationale for prioritizing unscheduled releases[6].
Misaligned Objectives:
Trump claimed the water would aid Los Angeles wildfires and provide “unlimited water,” but experts clarified the released water flows into the Tulare Basin, physically disconnected from LA’s supply[3][14]. Environmentalist Jon Rosenfield called the move “dangerous” and politically motivated[10].
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Environmental and Logistical Concerns
Waste and Ecological Risks:
Water scientist Peter Gleick criticized the release as wasteful, noting it neither addressed wildfires nor immediate agricultural needs[5]. The timing during winter storms also raised flood risks for downstream communities like Porterville[18].
Over 1 million acre-feet of water was diverted from irrigation channels, complicating drought preparedness[2].
Long-Term Uncertainty:
The releases set a precedent for federal intervention in state water management, destabilizing California’s delicate balance of flood control, agriculture, and environmental conservation[10]. Future conflicts over water allocation are likely[4].
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Key Stakeholder Reactions
Farmers and Local Managers:
Expressed frustration over lost summer reserves but acknowledged limited short-term harm[7]. Tulare County Farm Bureau’s Zack Stuller called the decision “bizarre”[5].
Federal vs. State Tensions:
California officials and congressional Democrats condemned the move as reckless, while Trump framed it as a “long-fought victory” against state mismanagement[9][14].
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In summary, the dam releases prioritized political messaging over strategic water management, risking agricultural stability and amplifying tensions between federal and state authorities. The long-term consequences for California’s water security remain fraught as the state navigates compounding drought and governance challenges.
Sources
[1] Acting on Trump's order, federal officials opened up two California dams https://phys.org/news/2025-02-trump-federal-california.html
[2] Californias Water Crisis Unpacking Federal Dam Releases and San ... https://farmonaut.com/usa/californias-water-crisis-unpacking-federal-dam-releases-and-san-joaquin-valley-irrigation-challenges/
[3] Experts criticize federal water release as 2 billion gallons flow in ... https://kfoxtv.com/news/nation-world/experts-criticize-federal-water-release-as-2-billion-gallons-flow-in-california
[4] Trump-Ordered Water Releases in California Stir Controversy ... https://www.grantspasstribune.com/trump-ordered-water-releases-in-california-stir-controversy-among-farmers-and-officials/
[5] Central California farmers raise concerns after Trump orders dam water release https://abc30.com/post/central-california-farmers-raise-concerns-trump-orders-dam-water-release/15862080/
[6] Huffman, Larsen Demand Answers on Trump's Wasteful ... https://democrats-naturalresources.house.gov/media/press-releases/huffman-larsen-demand-answers-on-trumps-wasteful-unscheduled-water-releases-from-major-ca-dams
[7] The water unexpectedly released from dams on Trump’s order didn’t help farms or L.A. https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-02-03/trump-administration-dams-release-water
[8] USACE monitoring releases at Schafer Dam and Tule River Spillway https://www.spk.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/3328616/usace-monitoring-releases-at-schafer-dam-and-tule-river-spillway/
[9] Trump Administration Releases California Dam Water Without State Approval https://www.newsweek.com/trump-administration-releases-california-dam-water-wildfires-2024659
[10] Trump's Central Valley dam water release could signal fight ahead https://abc7news.com/post/trumps-califonia-dam-water-release-could-signal-fight-ahead/15866225/
[11] On Trump's orders, officals released water from two California dams https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-01-31/trump-california-dams-opened-up
[12] Trump Administration Releases California Dam Water Without State Approval https://www.newsweek.com/trump-administration-releases-california-dam-water-wildfires-2024659
[13] Surface Water - Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District https://kdwcd.com/surface-water
[14] 2.2 billion gallons of water flowed out of California reservoirs because of Trump’s order to open dams https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/03/climate/trump-california-water-dams-reservoirs/index.html
[15] California water releases ordered by Trump draw criticism: ‘It’s going to be wasted’ https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5126534-trump-california-water-release-order-criticism/
[16] Experts criticize federal water release as 2 billion gallons flow in California https://okcfox.com/news/nation-world/experts-criticize-federal-water-release-as-2-billion-gallons-flow-in-california
[17] Expert describes Trump-ordered Northern California water release as "dumb" https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/expert-describes-trump-ordered-northern-california-water-release-dumb/
[18] Trump says he opened California's water. Local officials ... - Politico https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/31/trump-california-water-00201909
[19] [PDF] February 1, 2025 The Honorable Pete Hegseth Secretary ... https://costa.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/costa.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/Letter%20to%20DOD%20on%20USACE%20Water%20Releases.pdf
[20] Central Valley water managers react to Trump’s sudden water release: ‘It’s wrong’ https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article299717839.html
[21] Huffman, Larsen Demand Answers on Trump's Wasteful ... https://democrats-transportation.house.gov/news/press-releases/huffman-larsen-demand-answers-on-trumps-wasteful-unscheduled-water-releases-from-major-ca-dams