2.2 billion gallons of water flowed out of California reservoirs on Trump’s order to open dams

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🗞️ Driving the news: The US Army Corps of Engineers released 2.2 billion gallons of water from two California reservoirs following an order by President Donald Trump, who claimed the move would send water to farmers and Los Angeles
• Experts, however, warn that the water will not reach Los Angeles and that the release is wasteful during the wet winter season

🔭 The context: The reservoirs, Lake Kaweah and Lake Success, typically store water for summer irrigation in the Central Valley
• California officials say the decision lacked coordination between federal and state water managers
• Some of the released water was used for irrigation and groundwater recharge, but much of it flowed into the dry Tulare Lake bed

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The premature release could worsen future water shortages for California farmers and reduce the state's ability to manage drought conditions
• With climate change intensifying drought and water scarcity, mismanagement of water resources threatens agricultural sustainability

⏭️ What's next: California officials may push for stronger coordination between state and federal agencies on water management
• The decision could also spark legal and political battles over water rights and conservation policies

💬 One quote: “This release is extremely concerning. It’s providing zero benefit and putting California farmers at risk of water supply constraints in the coming months.” — Heather Cooley, Pacific Institute

📈 One stat: 2.2 billion gallons of water were released from Friday to Sunday, with Trump suggesting that up to 5.2 billion gallons could be released in total

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