The District encompasses an area of 128,292 acres, which includes the 15,000 acres annexed as part of the Hidden Dam contract with the Bureau of Reclamation, with a gravity irrigation distribution system of approximately 300 miles of open flow canal systems, as well as 150 miles of pipelines. The District functions on a budget of over $11 million in which revenues are appoximately divided by 32% assessments, 55% water sales and standby charges, and 13% of District revenues are paid by the residents of the City of Madera. Organization staffing varies from approximately 40 permanent employees to a maximum of around 45 employees, including part-time, temporary and seasonal workers. The District is a public agency, established by the State Legislature as a Special Act District. It is governed by a five member Board of Directors who are elected at large; but, who must reside within the division they serve. The statutory authority under which an irrigation district operates is what is known as the California Water Code. A large segment of the City of Madera is included within the District, and each resident of the City, who is registered to vote, has an opportunity to vote for the Directors of his/her choice; or, in fact, may opt to run for the directorship. In addition to the services rendered to the lands within the District, the District also conveys agricultural water to the Gravelly Ford Water District. The District is also a member of the Madera-Chowchilla Water and Power Authority which operates and maintains the Madera Canal under an agreement with the United States Bureau of Reclamation, from the valves at Friant Dam, to the delivery of Millerton Lake water to Madera Irrigation District.

MID District Map