State Cuts Off San Joaquin River Water To Senior Water Rights Holders

TRACY (CBS13) — For the first time, the state is telling some farmers who have been able to use as much water as they want for years that they're cut off.

Delta farmers have had senior water rights, priority access to water, because their land sits on the river. But farmers are learning they have to stop pumping water from the San Joaquin River.

Delta farmers had a different plan to avoid the deep cuts—volunteering to reduce water use by 25 percent.

Instead, they'll be cut off as early as Friday, which will likely have a significant impact on agriculture in the region.

Central Valley farmers are still hopeful they can reach a deal to reduce their water use by 25 percent.