Madera Irrigation District to Begin Water Deliveries and Groundwater Recharge Efforts
Madera Irrigation District (MID or District) has begun water releases to alleviate flood potential, provide surface water delivery to District landowners, and commence groundwater recharge efforts. Releases will be made into all systems, including the Fresno River.
The MID Board of Directors at the January 4, 2023 Special Board Meeting made the decision to allow water deliveries to begin effective immediately. The Board of Directors is providing this water at a reduced cost to promote use and recharge, benefiting District growers while augmenting the groundwater aquifer. The District is also continuing to support MID’s On-Farm Recharge Program, encouraging District growers to actively recharge surface water on their crops during these periods when water is available. The rate for Original District Landowners is currently set at $10 per acre foot and the rate for Subordinate Landowners is $10 per acre foot.
“After years of drought, this water is a welcome relief. For a very long time we have been hoping for more precipitation, now we have it. We really hope District landowners will take this opportunity for water deliveries and recharge while it is available. These activities will help us continue to be groundwater sustainable into the future” stated Jim Erickson, MID Board President.
MID growers interested in taking advantage of this water supply must fill out a Crop Water Application and order water prior to taking any deliveries, the availability will be location dependent. The District is urging all MID growers with the ability to take surface water to do so, as the extent and duration are unknown.
MID is accepting Crop Water Applications and water orders now. To sign up or to order water please contact the office at 559-673-3514 or at Madera Irrigation District, 12152 Road 28 ¼, Madera, CA. Crop water applications will be accepted via email and in-person.
The District would also like to remind growers that they can view their water usage and account balances online via WaterUI. If you need log-in assistance, please contact MID at 559-673-3514.