This notice regards:
Items to Note
October 2026 Water Allocations
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250 – customeraccounting@wwd.ca.gov
At their October 20 meeting, the Board approved the allocation of approximately 7,000 AF of 2026 Cushion Water and 1,000 AF of 2026 System Gain. The allocations will be reflected on October statements. Water users receiving an allocation will have seven (7) business days from the date the allocation is posted to their account to return any portion of the allocated water. Allocations not returned within that period will remain assigned to the account. Returned water will be reallocated by the District, and any reallocated water will be considered final and may not be returned.
2026-2027 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.
Mid-year Rate Updates
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250 – customeraccounting@wwd.ca.gov
At the October 20 Board meeting, the Board approved updated water rates reflecting mid-year budget adjustments, and the final 28% CVP allocation and other delivered water supplies, totaling 463,672 acre-feet. At this total water supply level, the District’s O&M rate is $34.04 per acre-foot. Other adjusted rates include M&I supplies, Overuse of Water Supply, Water Exchange Obligation, SWRCB Water Rights Fee, Transfer Out O&M Credit, and Temporary Facility Credit. As a result of these changes, the delivered rate for 2026-27 Contract water is $164.85 for water delivered on Areas 1 and 3, and $167.68 for water delivered on Area 2 land. These rates will be applied retroactively to March 1, 2026, and will be reflected on October billing. As a note, the USBR Restoration rate adjustment will not be retroactive.
The complete list of 2026–2027 rates, charges, and credits is available on the District’s website. From the homepage, click Water Management, then click Water Rates.
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 Supplemental Water Update
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 239,655 (204,008 acres timely) acres. The District’s first allocation of 54,000 AF of Supplemental Water occurred on May 1, 2026, followed by a second allocation of 4,000 AF on July 20, 2026, a third allocation of 15,000 AF on July 23, 2026, and a fourth allocation of 9,727 AF on October 8, 2026. The District fulfilled all timely requests and has 6,949 AF of late requests remaining. The District expects to allocate approximately 3,800 AF in November, with the final allocation occurring in December 2026. The estimated delivered cost is $775-$800/AF.
No additional requests or reductions will be considered.
District Policy for Acquisition of Property Through Eminent Domain
Russ Freeman: (559) 241-6241
At the August 18 Board 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.
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.
Holiday Office Closures & Water Ordering Procedures
District offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in observance of Veterans Day; and Thursday, November 26, and Friday, November 27, 2026, in observance of Thanksgiving. The affected water ordering deadlines are as follows:
| For Water Use On | Place Water Order By |
|---|---|
| Wednesday – November 11 | Tuesday, November 10, 9:30 am |
| Thursday – November 12 | Tuesday, November 10, noon |
| Thursday or Friday – November 26 or 27 | Wednesday, November 25, 9:30 am |
| Saturday, Sunday or Monday – November 28, 29 or 30 | Wednesday, November 25, noon |
The emergency telephone number for after hours and holidays is (559) 224-1523.
Annual Fall Groundwater Elevation Readings
Jose Rangel: (559) 241-6220 – jrangel@wwd.ca.gov
District staff and its consultant will begin collecting fall groundwater elevation readings in October and November. The District requests landowner cooperation in gathering these readings by providing access to wells. If you have recently changed keyed locks or combo locks, please contact Jose Rangel to provide access.
Grant Funding Available through Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Brent Dragomanovich: (559) 241-6245 – bdragomanovich@wwd.ca.gov
The District is pleased to announce that NRCS funding is available to Westlands growers, up to $450,000 per Farm Bill. This WaterSMART Initiative enables Westlands growers to carry out water conservation and drought resiliency improvements such as installing irrigation pipelines, micro-irrigation systems, reservoirs, and temporary diversion pumping plants. Westlands growers are encouraged to file all eligibility documents with the Farm Service Agency (FSA), then contact the local Fresno NRCS office at (559) 276-7494 as soon as possible to start an application. Applications are due November 6, 2026.
The District held an outreach workshop via Zoom in October 2024 and a recording of the event is available in the Water User Portal on the Home page under Workshops.
WATER SUPPLY
2026-2027 Water Supply Update
Kiti Campbell: (559) 241-6226 – kcampbell@wwd.ca.gov
The CVP has approximately 6,350,000 acre-feet (AF) of water stored in northern CVP reservoirs; this represents 115% of the 15-year average and a decrease of 343,000 AF compared to last month. Shasta Reservoir storage is approximately 2,336,000 AF; 104% of the 15-year average. CVP storage in San Luis Reservoir (SLR) has plateaued around 469,000 AF; 145% of the 15-year average. Delta inflow per D-1641 has declined approximately 40% since October 1 to 11,000 cfs and Delta water quality is currently constraining export operations. Current exports at Jones Pumping Plant (PP) and Banks PPs are 1,900 cfs and 1,000 cfs, respectively.
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) 241-6226 – kcampbell@wwd.ca.gov
The District will be limited to rescheduling approximately 135,000 acre-feet into the 2027-28 water contract year. If the water remaining at contract year-end is in excess of the rescheduling limit, the water remaining 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 am, by telephone or fax, or 10:00 am by website |
| Sunday-Monday | Friday before | 12:00 pm 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.
District Special Benefit Assessment Renewal Public Hearing and Ballot Tabulation
Sherman Dix: (559) 241-6203 – sdix@wwd.ca.gov
Westlands Water District is undertaking a renewal of its Special Benefit Assessment, which is scheduled to expire in 2027. The proposed renewal would continue the District’s special benefit-based assessment methodology, with the updated analysis evaluating recent historical water delivery data to determine the proportionate special 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 Board of Directors has approved an Engineer’s Report. A Proposition 218 public hearing and a landowner ballot proceeding will take place on December 15, 2026, during the regularly scheduled Board meeting. Ballots will be mailed out to landowners 45 days prior to the hearing date.
Information regarding the proposed Special Benefit Assessment renewal, including the approved Engineer’s Report, a recording of the public workshop, and additional informational resources are located on the District website under Proposition 218 Info.
OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
Golden Mussel Update
Field Engineering and Planning: (559) 884-2523
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 are analyzing the treatment results on Laterals 4L and 7R to inform future treatments as necessary. Overall, staff views both treatments as highly successful and will continue to monitor both laterals to track mussel reinfestation rates. Staff expects to finalize its Golden Mussel Monitoring and Control Plan by December and continues to pursue 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 who 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12R | Oct. 26 – Oct. 31 | Quinquennial | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| 17R | Oct. 26 – Oct. 29 | Pumping Plant Painting | 7:00 am – 3:30 pm |
| 13L | Nov. 2 – Nov. 8 | Quin./DWR Gate Rep. | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| 16RB Meters Affected (116020-116121) | Nov. 2 – Nov. 6 | Tank Painting Warranty Inspection | 7:00 am – 3:30 pm |
| 4L Meters Affected (4005-4025) | Nov. 16 – Nov. 20 | Contractor to Replace Transformer | 7:00 am – 3:30 pm |
| 31L | Nov. 16 – Nov. 21 | DWR Gate Replacement | 7:00 am – 3:30 pm |
| 13R | Nov. 16 – Nov. 22 | Quinquennial | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| PVPP | Nov. 18 – Nov. 19 | PG&E Power Pole Replacement | 7:00 am – 11:00 am |
| 16R | Dec. 1 – Dec. 4 | PG&E Power Pole Replacement | 7:00 am – 3:30 pm |
| 18R | Dec. 1 – Dec. 4 | PG&E Power Pole Replacement | 7:00 am – 3:30 pm |
| 2R | Dec. 7 – Dec. 13 | Quinquennial | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| 25L | Dec. 7 – Dec. 12 | DWR Gate Replacement | 7:00 am – 7:00 am |
| 15R | Dec. 14 – Dec. 19 | Quinquennial | 7:00 am – 7:00 am |
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
Westlands staff are revising the Subsidence Prone Areas boundaries based on the observed subsidence monitoring data collected since the implementation of the Westside Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) in 2020 and direct input from the Department of Water Resources (DWR). Consistent with recommendations from the Board Staff, Advisory Committee, and Technical Advisory Committee, staff will coordinate with affected landowners regarding the proposed boundary revisions.
If you are considering groundwater recharge, the District encourages water users to submit a Groundwater Recharge Project Application found on Pages 4 and 5. If you have an approved recharge project, the renewal form can be found on Page 6. Prior to applying recharge water at your Project, identify recharge project meters, and submit your meter readings online, https://arcg.is/1mnyvK0, twice a month by the 15th and last day of each month.
The next Advisory and Technical Advisory Committee Meetings are tentatively scheduled for February 22, 2027, 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 Friday, November 20, 2026, at 9:00 am. 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.
Low-Interest Irrigation or Recharge Equipment Lease Program
Kori Frauenheim: (559) 241-6231 – kfrauenheim@wwd.ca.gov
The District’s Expanded Irrigation System Improvement or Recharge Program (EISIRP) offers low-interest loans of up to $200,000 to water users for the lease-purchase of irrigation systems and recharge project equipment. At the March 2025 meeting, the Board of Directors reauthorized use of additional Public Purpose Program (P3) funding for cost-share under the EISIRP. Accordingly, water users who plan to install an irrigation system on land that is served by a pump enrolled in a District power program may also be eligible for a 35% cost share, up to $70,000, from the District’s EISIRP/P3 Grant. Additional information is available on the EISIRP and P3 pages on the District’s website.
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.
Distribution Integration Program
Antonio Solorio: (559) 241-6244 – asolorio@wwd.ca.gov
The District is currently offering the Distribution Integration Program (DIP) for water users who wish to participate. The DIP provides water users with the flexibility to develop and manage groundwater supplies for conveyance throughout the District. To be approved to participate in the DIP, water users must submit a DIP application, and a water quality report that demonstrates compliance with standards, receive approval from the other users along the respective DIP lateral, and construct an integration facility per District Specifications. Information about the program is posted on the CIP-DIP Page on the District’s website.
No. 822