This notice regards:
Items to Note
2025-2026 Land-Based Charges Due
Jessie Xiong:(559) 241-6212 – jxiong@wwd.ca.gov
The 2025-2026 Land-Based Charge bills were mailed on March 5, 2025. The first installment was due March 25, 2025, and the second installment is due September 25, 2025. A penalty will be added to unpaid charges on the day following the payment due date, and interest will accrue on unpaid penalties. Land-based statements are now accessible online through the web user portal under E-Docs.
New Customer Service Text Messaging Testing
Text messaging Text messaging (SMS) with Customer Service is a capability we will be testing over the next few months. The District has selected a small pool of accounts to test the feature prior to a full District rollout. The SMS feature allows water users and landowners to contact their Customer Accounting Representative or the general Customer Accounting line directly via text message.
2024-2025 Other Water Use Priority
As directed by the Board, carryover 2024-2025 Other Water will be given the highest priority of use, meaning it will be used first. This applies only to accounts with a balance of this specific water type.
Assessment Equalization Hearing
Jessie Xiong: (559) 241-6212 – jxiong@wwd.ca.gov
The Board of Directors, acting as a Board of Equalization, conducted an equalization hearing for the District’s 2025 benefit assessment and adopted Resolution No. 108-25 equalizing the District’s 2025 benefit assessment and setting the assessment rates. The assessment book was filed with the Tax Collector on May 20, 2025, thereby constituting a lien on each parcel of land assessed, which became due and payable on May 20, 2025. The benefit assessment is charged to each parcel based on its acreage and land use category. The rate of assessment for each acre under the land use category of Eligible for Other Water Supply is $12.87 per acre. The rate of assessment for each acre under the land use category of Eligible for CVP Allocation is $31.33 per acre. Since acreage eligible for CVP Allocation is also eligible for Other Water Supply, the total assessment for CVP Allocation will be the sum of the two, or $44.20 per acre. Statements were mailed on June 10, 2025, with a due date of November 20, 2025. Assessments paid after the due date will be considered delinquent. Assessment statements are now accessible online through the web user portal under E-Docs.
Water Users Web User Login Page – Buy and Sell Offers
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250
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.
1-for-1 Facilitated Transfers
Water users are encouraged to use surface water and refrain from pumping groundwater. If your water budget requires groundwater pumping, please consider offering to exchange groundwater allocation, or credits, for surface water. If your surface water balance is leading you to recharge, please consider offering to exchange your surface water for groundwater credits. One of the key benefits of this exchange is the elimination of losses for growers who are long on surface water. The District will be facilitating 1-for-1 transfers and will match users under this program. Current-year CVP water is eligible for the program on a 1AF for 1AF basis. Eligible groundwater includes 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 Sustainable Yield groundwater allocations a long with any existing Recharge Credits. Please contact your Customer Service Representative to submit your information.
Summer Hours of Operation
Effective September 8, the Five Points Shop and Field Office (including TFO, HFO, and PVPP), will return to regular hours of operation, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. All other District offices and operations will remain unchanged and will remain open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The emergency telephone number for after-hours is (559) 224-1523.
Holiday Office Closures & Water Ordering Procedures
District offices will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of Labor Day. The affected water ordering deadlines are as follows:
| For Water Use On | Place Water Order By |
|---|---|
| Saturday or Sunday – August 30 or 31 | Friday, August 29, 9:30 a.m. |
| Monday or Tuesday – September 1 or 2 | Friday, August 29, noon |
The emergency telephone number for after hours and holidays is (559) 224-1523.
WATER SUPPLY
2025-2026 Water Supply Update
Shasta Reservoir storage is approximately 2,964,000 AF; 108% of the 15-year average. CVP storage in San Luis Reservoir (SLR) is 251,000 AF; 80% of the 15-year average. Total exports are 11,380 cfs with the Jones and Banks Pumping Plants (PP) operating at 4,200 cfs and 7,180 cfs, respectively. The Bureau of Reclamation will continue to target Jones pumping at capacity (4,200 cfs) as D-1641 Delta agricultural water quality objectives were relaxed after August 15, 2025. Exports at Jones PP are expected to remain at a five-unit operation through the end of October. The current CVP allocation remains at 55% in the 2025-26 Water Year.
Other Water Allocation
The District received 19,008 AF in requests for Supplemental Water, which was fulfilled on April 30, 2025. The District allocated a total of 46,768 AF of excess Supplemental Water to Other Water, per the direction of the Board of Directors, which will be priced at the 2025-2026 CVP contract rate.
2026-2027 Water Rescheduling
Kiti Campbell: (559) 241-6215 – kcampbell@wwd.ca.gov
The District will be limited to rescheduling approximately 120,000 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 expects that after Cap Loss is applied, there will be 0.26 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
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 $848.85. 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.
OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
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.
Meter and Valve Access
Operations: 559-884-2523
Emergency situations regarding maintenance and repair of the District’s distribution system can require the immediate operation of division valves, ground valves, and in some situations the draining of an entire Lateral. In order to make repairs in a timely manner and protect staff during these repairs it is important to be mindful of accessibility issues and avoid placing chemical tanks and equipment immediately adjacent to ground valves, meters, and above ground appurtenances. If you have questions on the location of the District’s distribution system, please contact your area operator or Supervisor of Operations, Chuck Serrano.
Planned Maintenance Schedule 2025-26
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13R | August 29 | Algae Treatment | 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
| 17R | Sept. 4 | Algae Treatment | 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
| 14R B, C | Sept. 8 | Algae Treatment | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 24R | Sept. 8 – 12 | Sump Silt Removal | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 7R | Sept. 9 | Algae Treatment | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 29R | Sept. 15 | Algae Treatment | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 17RC Meters Affected (117055 – 117090) | Sept. 15 – Sept. 18 | 17RC Tank Warranty Inspection | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 16R | Sept. 16 | Algae Treatment | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 2L P-Line Meters Affected (2005 – 2020) | Sept. 22- Sept. 26 | Transformer Replacement | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 25L | Sept. 29 – Oct. 3 | Quinquennial | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 32L | Oct. 6 – Oct. 10 | Quinquennial | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| PV4 | Oct. 13 – Oct. 17 | Quinquennial | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 23R | Oct. 20 – Oct. 24 | Quinquennial | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 16RB Meters Affected (116020 – 116121) | Oct. 20 – Nov. 7 | 16RB Tank Painting | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| PV6 | Oct. 27– Oct. 31 | Quinquennial | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
2025-2026 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 2025-2026.
| Week | Division Valves to be inspected | Pumping Plant |
|---|---|---|
| 9/29/25 | 25L | |
| 10/6/25 | 32-2.0 | 32L |
| 10/13/25 | PV4 | |
| 10/20/25 | 23R | |
| 10/27/25 | PV6 | |
| 11/3/25 | 31-1.5 | 31L |
| 11/17/25 | 6-1 & 6-2 | |
| 12/8/25 | 3-2.7 | 3L |
| 12/15/25 | 7RA, 7RB, 7RC, 7RD | |
| 1/5/26 | 11R | |
| 1/12/26 | 4-0.5 | 4L |
| 1/26/26 | 17RA, 17RB, 17RC | |
| 2/2/26 | 33-2.0 | 33L |
| 2/9/26 | 22L | |
| 2/23/26 | 24L |
Groundwater Well Maintenance
Quinn Manning: (559) 884-2523 ext. 131
The District would like to remind Water Users that the meters installed on groundwater wells for compliance with the approved Groundwater Sustainability Plan are owned by the District and should not be removed, relocated, or adjusted by Water Users, their staff, or contractors. If a meter needs to be removed during regular maintenance or emergency repairs of the well and/or its discharge piping, please contact District staff so the meter can be removed during the work to avoid any damage to the meter.
To connect privately owned AMI or monitoring systems to a District-owned meter, please contact Water Measurement Specialist, Quinn Manning.
RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Westlands Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program
Shelly Ruiz: (559) 241-6228 or sruiz@wwd.ca.gov
Landowners, growers, and other interested parties are invited to attend the District’s Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program (Program) Steering Committee (SC) and Outreach Advisory Committee (OAC) meetings. The next meetings will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, with the OAC meeting at 11:00 a.m. and the SC meeting at 1:00 p.m.
The Program’s Project Process is now underway, and additional details are available on the Program’s website. Additionally, the SC and OAC are currently seeking input from landowners, growers, and stakeholders on the Program Plan, which is available on the Program’s website. Comments will be accepted through Thursday, September 11, 2025, and may be submitted using one of the following methods:
By Email: westlandsmlrp@wwd.ca.gov
By Mail or In-Person Delivery:
Westlands Water District
Attn: Resources – MLRP
286 W. Cromwell Avenue
Fresno, CA 93711
Low-Interest Irrigation or Recharge Equipment Lease Program
Kori Frauenheim: (559) 241-6231 or 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.
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.
Irrigation Evaluation Cost Share Rebate
Kori Frauenheim: (559) 241-6231 – kfrauenheim@wwd.ca.gov
Cal Poly’s Irrigation Training & Research Center (ITRC) received funding from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to bring back the Summer Irrigation Evaluation Program. ITRC will be hosting Drip Irrigation Evaluations throughout the Central Valley through mid-September. The link to ITRC’s website and a flyer with more information are available on the Water Use Efficiency page of the District’s website.
The District is offering Water Users a rebate for mobile lab services. Mobile lab services perform irrigation system evaluations by measuring water application rate, and system distribution uniformity, and by providing efficiency improvement recommendations. The amount of rebate per field evaluation is limited to 25% of the invoice or $500, whichever is less. Funds are limited, and availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications and information are available on the Water Use Efficiency page on the District’s website.
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Update
Antonio Solorio: (559) 241-6244 – sgma@wwd.ca.gov
The next Advisory and Technical Advisory Committee Meeting is scheduled for August 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The August Committee Meetings include discussion on the Corcoran Clay Extent Analysis and an update on the Domestic Well Mitigation Plan.
Distribution Integration Program
Antonio Solorio: 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.
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 1-800-468-4743. 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
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 these 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. 780