Westlands Water District and its growers uphold an inherent responsibility for the efficient management of west side land and water resources. Always on the forefront of conservation tactics, Westlands Board of Directors first authorized a water conservation program in 1972 to supply Westlands growers with timely and valuable information on water and drainage management conditions and techniques. The program continues to expand to this day and is recognized worldwide.
Westlands growers face significant hardships including limited water supplies and lack of drainage services. Water that was plentiful in the early 1980’s has decreased significantly since the drought beginning in 1986, and the future availability of adequate water supply for west side growers remains uncertain. In addition, drainage services provided for the San Luis Act and the 1963 Water Service Contract were partially provided from 1980 through 1985, but due to environmental concerns, these services were terminated in 1986.
In spite of limitations, Westlands growers have adopted rigorous conservation practices and intensified irrigation management techniques. They continue to adapt and today produce more than 60 high quality food and fiber crops for fresh, dry, canned and frozen food markets. More than 60 percent of Westlands produces fruits and vegetables as well as permanent crops such as almonds, pistachios and grapes, generating approximately $3.5 billion in farm-related economic activity for the communities of Fresno and Kings Counties.