California – The Trump administration’s recent decision to implement significant workforce reductions at the Bureau of Reclamation has raised alarms among Central Valley water officials. This federal agency, responsible for managing crucial water infrastructure in California, faces the potential loss of up to 40% of its staff, jeopardizing its ability to operate and maintain vital water systems, including dams and water delivery to agricultural and urban communities.
Reports indicate that about 100 employees in California will be let go through firings and voluntary buyouts, amounting to 10% of the bureau’s regional personnel. The terminations reportedly target newer employees, particularly those in their first year, as part of a larger plan orchestrated by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Among those applying for buyouts is Karl Stock, the regional director for the California-Great Basin Region. Employees accepting buyouts are expected to transition out of their roles by March, receiving compensation through September, as part of the administration’s push to streamline operations within federal agencies.
Concerns are mounting among various water agencies that depend on the Bureau of Reclamation for their water needs. In a letter dated February 25, managers from 14 Central Valley water agencies warned Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and acting Reclamation Commissioner David Palumbo that the extensive staff cuts could undermine the bureau’s capacity to fulfill its mission of delivering water and power efficiently. The letter underscored that the agency’s employees possess critical knowledge necessary for managing the aging infrastructure that plays a pivotal role in California’s water supply system.
The water agencies highlighted that positions being cut include maintenance mechanics, engineers, and fish biology specialists, all integral to ensuring the safe operation of the vast network of dams and reservoirs that supply water to farmlands and urban centers throughout California.
Sandy Day, the Bureau of Reclamation’s chief of public affairs, remarked that the agency remains committed to providing essential water and hydropower services while exploring new workforce management opportunities in collaboration with the Office of Personnel Management. However, the sentiment among local leaders reflects deep concern about the potential consequences of a reduced workforce.
Jim Peifer, executive director of the Regional Water Authority, echoed these worries, emphasizing that workforce reductions could endanger public safety and disrupt the water delivery system. He pointed out that the infrastructure—dating back to the 1940s—requires skilled personnel for proper maintenance and disaster prevention.
The Bureau of Reclamation, which oversees significant California dams like Shasta Dam, has been instrumental in flood control and ensuring a stable water supply for the agricultural sector. With the state’s already strained water resources, stakeholders are emphasizing the need for a strategic and thoughtful approach to personnel reductions that still protects the integrity of the water infrastructure.
