This notice regards:
Items to Note
Summer Hours of Operation
Field Engineering and Planning: (559) 884-2523
Effective June 8, the Five Points Shop and Field Office (including Tranquillity Field Office (TFO), Huron Field Office (HFO), and Pleasant Valley Pumping Plant (PVPP)), commenced summer hours of operation, from 6:00 am to 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday. All other District offices and operations will remain unchanged and will remain open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Field staff are expected to return to normal hours on September 7, 2026, however summer hours may be extended depending on the weather. The emergency telephone number for after-hours is (559) 224-1523.
Water Users Web User Login Page – Buy and Sell Offers
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250 – customeraccounting@wwd.ca.gov
The District offers a message board for water users who wish to buy and sell water on its Web User login page. The message board allows water users to post their name, phone number, offers to buy or sell water, and a brief description, matching water users with excess water and those with unmet demands. Please call your Customer Service Representative for assistance in accessing or using the message board, or to set up your Web User profile.
2026-2027 Land-Based Charges – Second Installment Due September 25, 2026
Jessie Xiong: (559) 241-6212 – jxiong@wwd.ca.gov
The 2026-2027 Land-Based Charge bills were mailed on March 4, 2026. The first installment was due March 25, 2026, and the second installment is due September 25, 2026. Land-based charges remaining unpaid after the due date will be subject to a penalty beginning the day following the payment due date. Land-based statements are now accessible online through the web user portal under E-Docs.
Online Payments
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250 – customeraccounting@wwd.ca.gov
Online Payments are available to all users for Ag water and land charges. Customers can create an online account, link accounts and parcels, view balances, and make secure online payments.
Additional information, user guides, and resources are available on the District’s website under Online Payments.
2026-2027 Supplemental Water Update (Action May be Required)
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250 – customeraccounting@wwd.ca.gov
Supplemental Water Applications were due on March 31, 2026. The District received approximately 89,676 (79,184 AF timely) AF in requests for Supplemental Water on 238,798 (204,008 acres timely) acres. The District’s first allocation of 54,000 AF of Supplemental Water occurred on May 1, 2026, and second allocation of 4,000 AF occurred on July 20, 2026. A third allocation of 15,000 AF of Supplemental Water occurred on July 23, 2026. The District has 6,184 AF of timely requests remaining and 10,492 AF of late requests remaining. The District expects to fulfill all Supplemental Water requests by December 2026. Additional requests for Supplemental Water will be considered, but reductions of existing requests (timely or untimely) are no longer allowed. The estimated delivered cost is $775-$800/AF.
District Policy for Acquisition of Property Through Eminent Domain
Russ Freeman: (559) 241-6241
At this month’s meeting, the Board adopted its Policy for Acquisition of Property Through Eminent Domain (Policy). The intent of the Policy is to be open and transparent about how the District will engage with landowners when it seeks to acquire property, or interests in property, to develop projects that further District purposes. The types of projects that serve District purposes include, but are not limited to: water development, storage and delivery infrastructure, groundwater recharge and electrical transmission/distribution. While the District’s preference is to acquire property, or interests in property, through voluntary negotiations, there may be instances where it is necessary for the District to exercise the power of eminent domain. The Policy outlines the process the District will follow leading up to the exercise of eminent domain and is located on the District website.
2026 District General Election
Sherman Dix: (559) 241-6203 – sdix@wwd.ca.gov
After extending the filing period to August 12 due to Director Costamagna not filing a Declaration of Candidacy, the filing period for the District’s 2026 Director election has concluded. At the close of the extended filing period, only four candidates had filed for the four available seats: Directors Diener, Franson, and Hughes, and Charles Herrin Jr.
Because the number of qualified candidates did not exceed the number of Director positions to be filled, an election will not be required under Elections Code section 10515. Accordingly, the 2026 District General Election is cancelled, and the District Secretary will certify the candidates’ names to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, which must appoint them to office before the first Friday in December 2026.
Holiday Office Closures & Water Ordering Procedures
District offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day. The affected water ordering deadlines are as follows:
| For Water Use On | Place Water Order By |
|---|---|
| Saturday or Sunday – September 5 or 6 | Friday, September 4, 9:30 a.m. |
| Monday or Tuesday – September 7 or 8 | Friday, September 4, noon |
The emergency telephone number for after hours and holidays is (559) 224-1523.
WATER SUPPLY
2026-2027 Water Supply Update
Kiti Campbell: (559) 241-6226 – kcampbell@wwd.ca.gov
The CVP has approximately 7,078,000 acre-feet (AF) of water stored in northern CVP reservoirs; this represents 112% of the 15-year average and a decrease of 896,000 AF compared to last month. Shasta Reservoir storage is approximately 2,781,000 AF; 104% of the 15-year average. CVP storage in San Luis Reservoir (SLR) is 400,000 AF; 136% of the 15-year average. Since August 1, total monthly exports averaged 10,042 cubic feet per second (cfs) with the Jones and Banks Pumping Plants (PP) averaging 4,179 cfs and 5,863 cfs, respectively. Jones and Banks PPs are operating at maximum capacity as D-1641 western Delta water quality objectives have been relaxed.
2026-2027 Central Valley Project (CVP) Contract Allocation
Kiti Campbell: (559) 241-6226 – kcampbell@wwd.ca.gov
On August 11, Reclamation increased the CVP South of Delta (SOD) agricultural contractor allocation to 28%.
2026-2027 Water Rescheduling
Kiti Campbell: (559) 241-6215 – kcampbell@wwd.ca.gov
The District will be limited to rescheduling approximately 130,000 acre-feet into the 2026-27 water contract year. The water remaining at contract year-end in excess of the rescheduling limit will be lost according to the District’s Rescheduling Policy.
Water users are reminded that according to the District’s Rescheduling Policy, loss (whether Cap Loss or Rescheduling Loss) is prorated based on volume per acre, from highest to lowest, and is applied in the following order and manner:
- Water rescheduled by the District
- Remaining Rescheduled Water
- Delivered Rescheduled Water
Although the District’s Rescheduling Policy does not limit how much water may be rescheduled by a water user, staff estimates that after Cap Loss is applied, approximately 0.26 to 0.28 acre-feet per acre remaining, assuming all eligible acres participate in rescheduling water. If the San Luis Reservoir fills and there is a loss due to foregone pumping (Rescheduling Loss), then that loss will be applied in addition to the Cap Loss.
As a reminder, if a water user loses water, the District will bill the water user for all costs associated with the lost water.
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Water Ordering and Meter Turn Off
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250 – customeraccounting@wwd.ca.gov
To set up a Westlands online account, please contact your Customer Service Representative.
| For Water Use On | Place Water Order By | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday-Saturday | Day before | 7:30-9:30 a.m., by telephone or fax, or 10:00 a.m. by website |
| Sunday-Monday | Friday before | 12:00 p.m. by telephone, fax, or website |
Phone (559) 241-6250 or (800) 266-6574; fax (559) 241-6276; Water User account at District Web Site.
Water Users should comply with the District’s water ordering procedures. Conveyance capacity through many laterals is constrained. District staff determines lateral demand based on water orders. When demand exceeds the capacity of the lateral, the entire lateral is adversely affected, and water service can be lost for all users on the lateral. To properly operate and maintain the District’s water distribution system and, to a larger extent, the Central Valley Project, water users are required to place proper water orders in accordance with the District’s Terms and Conditions for Agricultural Water Service.
Water Users who are found to be running without an order will have their meter(s) turned off pursuant to Article 2, Section 2.6.H of the District’s Rules and Regulations. In addition, meters found running without a valid water order may be subject to a lateral monitoring fee of up to $1,055.22. Accurate water orders are also critical. For reference, if a meter malfunctions or varies from a standard calibration range, your monthly billing can be directly affected by the accuracy of your water orders.
Benefit Assessment Charges Due November 19, 2026
Jessie Xiong: (559) 241-6212 – jxiong@wwd.ca.gov
At the equalization hearing on May 19, 2026, the Board of Directors established the District’s 2026 Benefit Assessment, which constitutes liens on each parcel of land assessed, due, and payable as of May 19, 2026. Statements were mailed on June 4, 2026, with a due date of November 19, 2026. Assessments paid after the due date will be considered delinquent. Assessment statements are now accessible online through the web user portal under E-Docs.
District Benefit Assessment Renewal Process
Sherman Dix: (559) 241-6203 – sdix@wwd.ca.gov
Westlands Water District is undertaking a renewal of its Benefit Assessment, which is scheduled to expire in 2027. The proposed renewal would continue the District’s benefit-based assessment methodology, with the updated analysis evaluating recent historical water delivery data to determine the proportionate benefits received by different categories of land within the District.
The proposed renewal would continue funding certain fixed costs and long-term obligations that support the District’s water supply reliability and infrastructure, including costs currently recovered through land-based charges and water rates. The renewal process will include preparation of an Engineer’s Report, public outreach, a Proposition 218 public hearing, and a landowner ballot proceeding, with landowners receiving additional information regarding the proposed assessment, rates, voting procedures, and key dates as the process moves forward.
Following adoption of the Engineer’s Report, the District will conduct informational landowner workshops on October 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. and October 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the District’s Fresno Office, with Zoom participation also available. The workshops are intended to provide an overview of the proposed Benefit Assessment renewal and provide landowners with an opportunity to ask questions prior to the Proposition 218 balloting process.
OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
Golden Mussel Update
Field Engineering and Planning: (559) 884-2523
As previously reported, staff has confirmed the presence of the Golden Mussel, an invasive aquatic species, within the District’s distribution system. Staff continues to work closely with State and Federal agencies, industry experts, and neighboring water agencies to monitor mussel populations and evaluate treatment and control strategies aimed at protecting District infrastructure and maintaining reliable water deliveries. Staff and the District’s consultant initiated targeted treatments on Laterals 4L and 7R, where the highest mussel densities were identified during winter inspections. Treatment activities are being closely monitored through daily copper residual and water quality testing to ensure effectiveness while allowing uninterrupted water deliveries. Staff will coordinate a brief shutdown once the treatment has concluded to inspect and observe the treatment’s effectiveness. Staff is also advancing development of the District’s Golden Mussel Monitoring and Control Plan and pursuing state and federal funding opportunities to support future monitoring, treatment, and infrastructure protection efforts.
Water user observations remain a critical component of the District’s response effort. Users are encouraged to inspect screens, filters, pumps, pipelines, and irrigation equipment and report any suspected Golden Mussel sightings to the Field Engineering and Planning Department. Information provided by water users helps staff track the spread of the species, identify emerging problem areas, and prioritize response actions to reduce potential impacts on both District and on-farm facilities.
Staff sent out a notice on February 12 that contained Best Management Practices on treatment and control methods water users can use on their irrigation systems. The notice was intended as a broad overview of the best known and most effective treatments. Water users that would like more information on the Additional Control Methods still being tested should reach out to Field Engineering staff. Water users are encouraged to implement any measures that suit their individual irrigation sites this summer as a preventative measure.
Cross Connections with District Facilities
Field Engineering and Planning: (559) 884-2523
With over 1,000 miles of pipe, operating and repairing the District’s distribution system can present unique challenges. Staff understands the need for flexibility when connecting and operating on-farm irrigation systems; however, continued instances of damage and delays over the past year highlight the need to follow existing standards. Consideration needs to be given to the District’s distribution system when cross-connecting groundwater wells and other sources of water to protect District staff, pipelines, tanks, reservoirs, and adjacent private property from damage.
For questions regarding new and/or existing connections, please contact the Field Engineering and Planning Department.
Planned Maintenance Schedule 2026-27
Alex Garcia: (559) 884-2523 ext. 108 – agarcia@wwd.ca.gov
The District issues a monthly listing of the maintenance schedule for the next 45 to 60 days. Shutdown notices for scheduled work are sent to affected Water Users in advance of each shutdown. If Water Users are not receiving these notices, please contact your Customer Service Representative to update your contact information.
| Lateral(s) Impacted | Date(s) | Scheduled Work | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1R-4.0C & D Meters (101160 – 101227) | August 19 | Algae Treatment | 6:00 am – 2:30 pm |
| Coalinga Canal | August 20 – August 21 | Algae Treatment | 6:00 am – 9:00 am |
| 13R | August 31 | Algae Treatment | 6:00 am – 2:30 pm |
| 17R | September 1 | Algae Treatment | 6:00 am – 2:30 pm |
| 28R | September 2 | Algae Treatment | 6:00 am – 2:30 pm |
| 14RB & C Meters (114075-114180) | September 3 | Algae Treatment | 6:00 am – 2:30 pm |
| 29R | September 16 | Algae Treatment | 7:00 am – 3:30 pm |
| 16R | September 18 | Algae Treatment | 7:00 am – 3:30 pm |
| 24R | Sept 21 -Sept 25 | Quinquennial | 7:00 am – 3:30 pm |
| 28R | September 22 | Algae Treatment | 7:00 am – 3:30 pm |
| PV3 | Sept 28 – Oct. 2 | Quinquennial | 7:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| 7L | Oct. 5 – Oct.11 | Quinquennial | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| PV8 | Oct. 12 – Oct. 17 | Quinquennial | 7:00 am – 3:00 pm |
| Coalinga Canal | Oct. 12 – Oct. 15 | PVPP Cold Wash | 7:00 am – 7:00 am |
| 27R | Oct. 19 – Oct. 24 | Quinquennial | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| 12R | Oct. 26 – Oct. 31 | Quinquennial | 7:00 am – 3:00 pm |
2027-2028 Quinquennial Inspection and Repair Shutdown Schedule
Alex Garcia: (559) 884-2523 ext. 108 – agarcia@wwd.ca.gov
The following table lists the District’s general order and initial dates planned for the pumping plant system inspection and repair shutdown schedule for the fiscal year 2027-2028.
| Week | Division Valves to be inspected | Pumping Plant |
|---|---|---|
| 9/20/2027 | 12-0.5 | 12L |
| 9/27/2027 | 21L | |
| 10/4/2027 | 30.13 | 30L |
| 10/11/2027 | 27-5.0 | 27L |
| 10/18/2027 | 28-2.0, 28-3.0, 28-4.0 | 28L |
| 10/25/2027 | PV9-1.5 | PV9 |
| 11/1/2027 | 1RA, 1R-2.0B, & 1R-4.0B | |
| 11/15/2027 | 1R-4.0C & 1R-4.0D | |
| 12/6/2027 | 1R-4.0-1.0 & 1R-4.0-1.0D | |
| 12/13/2027 | 3R | |
| 1/10/2028 | 10L | |
| 1/24/2028 | 29-1.0 | 29L |
| 1/31/2028 | 34L | |
| 2/7/2028 | 19L | |
| 2/14/2028 | 1L |
RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Land Available for Lease
Cork McIsaac of Agriculture Industries, Inc.: (916) 372-5595 or (800) 822-1415
The District has several parcels for lease in Fresno and Kings counties. For a list of available land, please contact Cork McIsaac.
The District no longer consents to irrigate, from any source, leased District land. All new leases will be non-irrigable.
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Update
Antonio Solorio: (559) 241-6244 – sgma@wwd.ca.gov
Per the Westside Subbasin GSP and Article 1: Rules and Regulations, Westlands Staff will continually review M&I usage and contact well owners to coordinate installation of a District meter on wells that are not considered de minimus.
The next Advisory and Technical Advisory Committee Meetings are tentatively scheduled for August 25, 2026, at 9:00 am.
Westlands Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program
Shelly Ruiz: (559) 241-6228 or westlandsmlrp@wwd.ca.gov
Landowners, growers, and other interested stakeholders are invited to attend the District’s Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program (Program) Steering Committee (SC) and Outreach Advisory Committee (OAC) meeting. The next SC/OAC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Please refer to the District’s calendar for additional information.
The Program’s Project Process is currently underway, and funding is available to support eligible multibenefit land repurposing projects. The priority deadline to submit a Program Project Application was January 30, 2026. Late applications will be accepted and may be considered for funding in a future year. Landowners and growers are also encouraged to explore project ideas listed in “Step 2” of the Program’s Project list, located at the bottom of the Program’s website. These project ideas require dedicated land to advance through the Program’s Project Process. Interested parties should contact the individual(s) listed to discuss project ideas further.
The Final Program Plan is anticipated to be completed and presented to the District Board of Directors at a Regular Fall 2026 Board Meeting.
Groundwater and Irrigation System Management Program Information
Jennifer Montoya: (559) 241-6242 – jmontoya@wwd.ca.gov; or
Brent Dragomanovich: (559) 241-6245 – bdragomanovich@wwd.ca.gov
Westlands’ Groundwater Management Program integrates local groundwater resources into its water supply system by acquiring and operating efficient groundwater pumping facilities. Participants transfer their pumping equipment to Westlands, follow program schedules, and are charged a cost-based fee for groundwater pumped. The program ensures equitable costs, adherence to safety and efficiency standards for all facilities, and offers up to 40% in cost savings. We invite all landowners to participate in the Groundwater and Irrigation System Management Program.
If a power outage occurs at a facility enrolled in the District’s Groundwater or Irrigation System Management Programs (GWMP/ISMP), please call the PG&E Business Customer Service Center (BCSC) at 1-877-311-3276. The BCSC will address downed poles/lines, blown fuses, and damaged transformers. Please contact the District for any damaged or missing power meters. Before contacting PG&E, you will need your service location, for example NW NW Section-Township-Range. This information may also be included in the GWMP/ISMP applications.
Water Ordering Procedures for Pumps Enrolled in District Power Programs
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250 – customeraccounting@wwd.ca.gov
The District’s Groundwater Management Program, Irrigation System Management and Temporary Diversion Program use lower cost Western Area Power Administration energy to operate groundwater pumps, drip system booster pumps and temporary diversion pumps, respectively. The District’s Terms and Conditions for Agricultural Water Service apply to water delivered under programs. Accordingly, water users are required to place their water orders three days in advance if they are delivering water through a pump enrolled in the District’s power program. It is critical that water users comply with the ordering procedures to ensure that the District’s request for power to operate these facilities is accurate. Failure to place timely “on” or “off” orders will result in inaccurate power requests and increased power costs, which are then passed on to program participants.
No. 816