This notice regards:
Items to Note
Annual Water Users’ Workshop
Kiti Campbell: (559) 241-6215 – kcampbell@wwd.ca.gov
The Annual Water Users’ Workshop will be held Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the District’s Five Points Shop and Field Office. District staff will provide updates on District activities and other matters.
2026-2027 Budget, Water Rates, Charges and Land-Based Charges Approved
Sherman Dix: (559) 241-6203 – sdix@wwd.ca.gov
At the meeting on February 19, 2026, the Board of Directors adopted the 2026-2027 Recommended Budget (Budget), which totals $217,130,100.00. This budget may be revised once the final water supply is determined. The budget provides funds for water and power purchases, as well as for the operations, maintenance, and administrative activities of the District. Additionally, the budget includes funding for coordination with other agencies and contractors on water supply matters, legal challenges to our water supplies, debt service on the San Luis Unit/Westlands Water District Financing Authority Revenue Bonds, Westlands Water Quality Coalition activities, and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.
The Board has approved the implementation of the water rates and charges for the 2026-2027 Water Year. These rates are based on a 20% Central Valley Project (CVP) contract water allocation and other delivered water supplies totaling 398,220 acre-feet. With this total supply, the District’s O&M rate is $42.02 per acre-foot. The adopted O&M water rate of $42.02 may require modification when the final CVP contract water allocation is determined. The Board also approved land-based charges for (1) extraordinary repairs and replacements of distribution system pipes, (2) Westlands Water Quality Coalition charges for monitoring and reporting under the Regional Water Quality Control Board’s General Order, and (3) debt service for the prepayment of CVP construction costs. A Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) charge was also approved to cover program administration.
Water users should also note that approved Overuse of Water Supply Charges are $5,543.00 each month when any billed overuse occurs, and $280.00 each month for those who are subject to Advance Payment Monitoring. Additionally, a Meter Turn Off for Use Without Order charge for meters running without a valid water order was approved and is $1,055.22 per lateral. Water users can avoid these charges by discontinuing water use when their water supply is exhausted, making timely payments, and placing valid water orders in compliance with District regulations. Tools are available on the customer section of the District’s website to help water users determine when they will run out of water. Contact your Customer Service Representative if you need assistance with website data or to establish a secure login.
The District will impose a processing fee for parcel information requests or bank assurance letters. The fees will range from $96.03 to $695.11 depending on the number of parcels involved.
The complete list of 2026-2027 rates, charges, and credits will be uploaded on the District’s website on or about March 1, 2026. From the home page, click Water Management, then click Water Rates.
SGMA Water Code Naming Convention Change
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250
The District has developed new SGMA water codes to better support implementation of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). The improved tracking makes groundwater restrictions clearer and more transparent for both groundwater credit holders and the District/GSA. It also speeds up groundwater credit transfers and helps prevent unintended overdraft through more accurate tracking and usage calculations. Additional information will be provided in the near future.
GWMP/ISMP Rate Adjustment
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250
The Board approved an increase to the Groundwater Management Program and Irrigation System Management Program (GWMP/ISMP) cost of energy rate due to reduced groundwater pumping in 2025–26 resulting from higher CVP allocations. With groundwater pumping significantly lower than budgeted, fixed energy costs must be recovered over fewer kWh. After applying about $760,000 in WAPA TEA savings, the Board approved increasing the cost of energy rate from $0.21/kWh to $0.25/kWh, retroactive to March 1, 2025. This adjustment does not exceed the maximum allowable rates under Resolution No. 102‑25. The adjustment will appear on January bills mailed earlier this month.
Year-End Meter Readings
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250
Water users who would like to provide year-end agricultural meter readings for their account can submit their own reading prior to midnight, February 28, 2026. Forms will be sent out via District notice in February and will be available on the District’s website. Forms may be submitted by fax to (559) 241-6276 or emailed to customeraccounting@wwd.ca.gov. All readings received before midnight will be used to determine February water use. Please call Customer Accounting at (559) 241-6250 if you have any questions about year-end meter readings.
Year-End Leveling of Water User Accounts
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250
The District will accept internal transfers received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, to allow for maximum year‑end rescheduling. Water users wishing to level their accounts must submit a completed Water Transfer Agreement by fax to (559) 241‑6276 or by email to customeraccounting@wwd.ca.gov. All transfers received by the deadline and approved by the District will be used to determine February water user account ending balances. Requests received after this deadline will be rejected.
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
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250
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 facilitate 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 along with any existing Recharge Credits. Please contact your Customer Service Representative to submit your information.
Holiday Office Closures & Water Ordering Procedures
District offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day. The affected water ordering deadlines are as follows:
| For Water Use On | Place Water Order By |
|---|---|
| Saturday or Sunday – May 23 or 24 | Friday, May 22, 9:30 a.m. |
| Monday or Tuesday- May 25 or 26 | Friday, May 22, noon |
The emergency telephone number for after hours and holidays is (559) 224-1523.
2026-2027 Supplemental Water Application – Response May Be Required
Customer Accounting Representative: (559) 241-6250
The District plans to operate the Supplemental Water Application process to ensure that the Supplemental Water Application requests match the available water supply, to the greatest degree possible. In order to achieve this objective, the application due date is March 31, 2026. If the total amount of Supplemental Water requests exceeds the District’s current contracts, the District will continue to acquire Supplemental Water from multiple sources to meet requests, otherwise the District will not seek additional Supplemental Water.
The District encourages water users to base their Supplemental Water request on a projected final CVP allocation of 20% to 30% and an estimated delivered cost between $550 to $800 per acre-foot. The District anticipates that a substantial allocation of Supplemental Water to water users could occur in late spring.
When Supplemental Water is made available for allocation, the quantity allocated to a water user’s account is a proration based on the water available at that time and the number of irrigable acres associated with accounts that have outstanding requests. When an account’s request has been fulfilled, it will no longer receive allocations, and the irrigable acres associated with that account will not be factored into subsequent allocations. Accordingly, water users with relatively high per-acre requests will receive the bulk (increment above the pro-rata amount) of their request later, if water is available.
Advance payment for acquisition costs of the water is required at the time Supplemental Water is made available for allocation, while operation and maintenance-related costs will be billed when the water is used. The District will notify water users regarding the allocation advance payment when acquisition costs are more certain. The allocation advance payment will apply toward the delivered Supplemental Water rate. If an advance payment is delinquent for 30 days or more, the District may withdraw the water made available for allocation to a water user and reduce the water user’s outstanding request by the same amount.
If you would like to be part of the 2026-2027 Supplemental Water program, please complete the enclosed agreement and return it to the Fresno Office by close of business on March 31, 2026, by one of the following means.
- Mail to: Westlands Water District, P.O. Box 5199, Fresno, CA 93755. You may also hand deliver the agreement to the District’s Fresno Office, at 286 W. Cromwell Ave, Fresno, CA 93711.
- Scan and email: customeraccounting@wwd.ca.gov
- Facsimile to: (559) 241-6276
Agreements not received at the District or postmarked by the due date will not be considered timely. Late Requests will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis after timely requests are filled.
WATER SUPPLY
2025-2026 Water Supply Update
Kiti Campbell: (559) 241-6215 – kcampbell@wwd.ca.gov
Shasta Reservoir storage is approximately 3,564,000 AF; 118% of the 15-year average. CVP storage in San Luis Reservoir (SLR) is 637,000 AF; 101% of the 15-year average. Total exports are 7,200 cfs with the Jones and Banks Pumping Plants (PP) operating at 4,200 cfs and 3,000 cfs, respectively. During the first two weeks of February, the Port Chicago X2 requirement per D-1641 constrained Jones PP exports to one and two-unit operation and required storage releases from Shasta and Folsom. The recent wet weather pattern allowed Shasta and Folsom to reduce their releases and Jones PP to return to five-unit operation.
2026-2027 Water Rescheduling
Kiti Campbell: (559) 241-6215 – kcampbell@wwd.ca.gov
The Bureau will limit the District to approximately 120,000 acre-feet of rescheduled water into the 2026-27 water contract year. The District forecasts that approximately 135,000 acre-feet (AF) will remain in water users’ accounts at the end of the current water contract year (February 28, 2026). The water remaining at contract yearend 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.
Projected 2026-2027 CVP Contract Allocation
Kiti Campbell: (559) 241-6215 – kcampbell@wwd.ca.gov
Storage in CVP reservoirs remains above historic averages. Based on CVP reservoir conditions and Reclamation’s 50% and 90% exceedance forecasts, the SLR is not expected to fill in March, and the District estimates initial allocation could be 15–25% under the 90% exceedance forecast. The final allocation, typically announced in April or May, will depend on hydrology in the upper Sacramento River basin.
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 $855.67. 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.
2026-2027 Groundwater Allocation Applications – Deadline Passed
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250
The District mailed Groundwater Allocation Application packets on December 12, 2025, and all packets should have been received in December by Landowners. The January 15, 2026 submission deadline for timely applications has now passed. Applications received after January 15, 2026 are considered late.
Late Groundwater Allocation Applications and Agreements will be accepted through July 31, 2026, and revised applications may also be submitted until that date. However, Groundwater Allocations for late or revised applications may not be available until 45 days after the application is accepted.
The District may dispense approximately 24,000 AF (0.046 AF/acre) by March 31, 2026, if the projected CVP allocation is twenty‑five percent (25%) or less. For example, if a user selected the option to purchase their pro‑rata share and has 1,000 acres in their account, the account would be eligible for approximately 46 AF of Groundwater Credit. Credits are estimated at $190/AF, and full payment is required before the credits are allocated to the account.
Please note: If the full 24,000 AF is not requested, the remaining amount will not increase the per‑acre allocation. Any unrequested volume will be retained by the District for future distribution and will not be held
2026-2027 Agricultural Water Allocation Applications – Deadline Passed
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250
The District mailed Agricultural Allocation Application packets on December 12, 2025. Water users should have received them in December; landowners received packets only if they are also water users or had requested them. The submission deadline of January 15, 2026 has now passed. Late applications may still be considered but are subject to District approval.
OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
Golden Mussel Update
Field Engineering and Planning: (559) 884-2523
As reported at the Board meeting, staff has confirmed the presence of the Golden Mussel, a recently introduced invasive species, within the District’s distribution system. We are working with our State and Federal partners, as well as local agencies, to learn all we can about the mussel and how we can manage or eliminate the impact it could have on water deliveries. Tracking the mussels’ spread throughout the distribution system will play an important role in how quickly we can address these impacts. Water Users are requested to report any sightings in filtration systems or on farm irrigation systems to the Field Engineering and Planning Department. 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 between now and this spring as a preventative measure. The District will provide more information with water users as it becomes available through the weekly Westlands Water Watch emails, Board meetings, and through this Monthly Notice.
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.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24L | Feb. 23 – Feb. 27 | Quinquennial | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| PV8 | Mar. 16 – Mar. 20 | Sump Silt removal | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 2L | Mar. 23 – Mar. 27 | Valve Replacement | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| 19R | Mar. 23 – Mar. 27 | Electrical Equip. Replacement | 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
2026-2027 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 2026-2027.
| Week | Division Valves to be inspected | Pumping Plant |
|---|---|---|
| 9/21/2026 | 24R | |
| 9/28/2026 | PV3-0.2 | PV3 |
| 10/5/2026 | 7L & 7-0.5 | |
| 10/12/2026 | PV8 | |
| 10/19/2026 | 27R | |
| 10/26/2026 | 12R | |
| 11/2/2026 | 13L | |
| 11/16/2026 | 13RA & 13RB | |
| 12/7/2026 | 2RA & 2RB | |
| 12/14/2026 | 15R | |
| 1/4/2027 | 36L | |
| 1/11/2027 | 22R | |
| 1/25/2027 | 6L | |
| 2/1/2027 | PV2-0.5 | PV2 |
| 2/8/2027 | 21R |
RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Low-Interest Irrigation or Recharge Equipment Lease Program
Brent Dragomanovich: (559) 241-6245 – bdragomanovich@wwd.ca.gov
Valdemar Cerna (559) 241-6296 – vcerna@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.
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, March 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. 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 Friday, January 30, 2026. Late applications will be accepted and may be considered for funding. Landowners and growers are also encouraged to explore projects 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 Spring 2026 Board Meeting.
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
The next Advisory and Technical Advisory Committee Meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
If you are considering groundwater recharge, the District encourages water users to either participate in the 1 for 1 exchange program or submit groundwater recharge project renewal form found on page 6. Prior to recharge water at your Project, identify the recharge project meters and submit your opening meter readings online, https://arcg.is/1mnyvK0. Submit updated meter readings twice a month by the 15th and last day of each month when the recharge project is active.
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.
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.
Westlands Water Quality Coalition Members
Brent Dragomanovich: (559) 241-6245 or wwqc@wwd.ca.gov
The Coalition held its annual member outreach meeting, virtually, on January 28, 2026, to help members submit their INMP Summary Report and Farm Evaluation for the 2025 crop year by the March 1, 2026 deadline. If you were unable to attend, the meeting was recorded and is available to view on the Coalition member portal home page to receive attendance credit. Please contact the Coalition if you have any questions or issues completing the requirements.
No. 797