This notice regards:
Items to Note
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 87,576 (79,184 AF timely) AF in requests for Supplemental Water on 231,359 (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. The District has 21,184 AF of timely requests remaining and 8,392 AF of late requests remaining. On July 21, 2026, the Board approved a 15,000 AF pre-allocation, which is expected to be allocated by July 31, 2026. The District expects to fulfill all Supplemental Water requests by December 2026. The estimated delivered cost is $775-$800/AF.
URGENT Additional Supplemental Water supplies may be acquired, if sufficient subscriptions are received by July 29, 2026. Growers interested in additional Supplemental Water are encouraged to contact their customer service representative to submit or modify their Supplemental Water Applications by July 29, 2026.
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. 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.
Westlands Water Quality Coalition Members – Deadline July 31, 2026
Kori Frauenheim: (559) 241-6231 or wwqc@wwd.ca.gov
Brent Dragomanovich: (559) 241-6245 or wwqc@wwd.ca.gov
As part of the General Order, WWQC members are required to attend an outreach event on an annual basis. The deadline to complete this requirement is July 31, 2026. If you have not fulfilled this requirement, the “2026 WWQC Annual Outreach Meeting” video is available to watch on the WWQC Member Portal Website.
Coalition members were also required to complete an Irrigation and Nitrogen Management (INMP) Summary Report by March 1, 2026, on the WWQC Member Portal 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.
Revisions to District Regulations to Require Proper Land Stewardship
Russ Freeman: (559) 241-6241
In furtherance of the goals of maximizing conservation and beneficial use of water, the District revised its Rules and Regulations to require proper land stewardship for water users to continue receiving District benefits. Revisions preclude land and accounts with associated land that harbors weeds, pests and abandoned crops from receiving allocations or transferring and delivering District water or groundwater, until the land is free of weeds, pests and abandoned crops. Additionally, after providing notice and opportunity to cure, the District may enter and abate these conditions, at the water user/landowner expense. Attached to this notice and on the District’s website is a list of Frequently Asked Questions and responses.
Final Deadline for 2026-2027 Groundwater Allocation Applications – July 31, 2026
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250 – customeraccounting@wwd.ca.gov
The deadline to submit late Groundwater Allocation Applications is July 31, 2026. After July 31, 2026, no applications will be accepted. Applications and revisions received by the deadline may require up to 45 days from the date the late/ revised application is accepted before the Groundwater allocation is available.
Applicants are encouraged to review their submissions and provide any necessary updates before the July 31 deadline.
District Groundwater Recharge Credit Allocation – July 31, 2026
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250 – customeraccounting@wwd.ca.gov
The District dispensed Groundwater Credits at 0.046 AF/acre based on the current CVP allocation of twenty-five percent (25%). Credits are estimated at $190/AF, and payment is required before credits are allocated to the account. The initial allocation was posted on May 31, 2026.
Requests for the District Groundwater Recharge Credits are submitted through the Groundwater Allocation Application by checking the corresponding box. Applicants should review their current applications and submit any necessary revisions by July 31, 2026.
Groundwater Credits are designated as Non-Subsidence Prone Area (Non-SPA), North Subsidence Prone Area (North-SPA), or South Subsidence Prone Area (South-SPA) and may only be used in wells within the same designated area.
2026 District General Election
Sherman Dix: (559) 241-6203 – sdix@wwd.ca.gov
The District will conduct an all-mail ballot general election on November 3, 2026, to fill four Director positions whose current terms expire in December 2026. Individuals elected to these positions will serve four-year terms ending in December 2030. Eligible candidates must be at least 18 years of age and be a landowner within the District, a legal representative of a landowner, or a properly designated representative. Declaration of candidacy forms are now available at the District office and must be filed with the District Secretary no later than 5:00 pm on August 7, 2026.
The District will finalize its voter roster on September 29, 2026, and requests that landowners provide updated ownership and mailing address information, including information for co-owners, by August 3, 2026. Landowners who are unable to vote personally may authorize a representative or appoint a proxy to cast a ballot on their behalf. Additional information regarding voter authorization, proxy appointments, and election procedures is available by contacting the District.
WATER SUPPLY
2026-2027 Water Supply Update
Kiti Campbell: (559) 241-6226 – kcampbell@wwd.ca.gov
The CVP has approximately 7,974,000 acre-feet (AF) of water stored in northern CVP reservoirs; this represents 113% of the 15-year average and a decrease of 1,268,000 AF compared to last month. Shasta Reservoir storage is approximately 3,249,000 AF; 107% of the 15-year average. CVP storage in San Luis Reservoir (SLR) is 427,000 AF; 119% of the 15-year average. Since July 1, total monthly exports averaged 6,909 cubic feet per second (cfs) with the Jones and Banks Pumping Plants (PP) averaging 1,081 cfs and 5,827 cfs, respectively. Jones PP exports were constrained to a single unit in early July due to D-1641 water quality objectives and SWP per the Coordinated Operations Agreement (COA). Jones exports have increased to 3 units as water quality conditions improved and COA accounts are balanced.
2026-2027 Central Valley Project (CVP) Contract Allocation
Kiti Campbell: (559) 241-6226 – kcampbell@wwd.ca.gov
On May 19, Reclamation increased the CVP South of Delta (SOD) agricultural contractor allocation to 25%. The final allocation, which could be made in late July, will depend on the actual hydrology in watersheds that produce runoff in the upper Sacramento River basin and the accumulated snowpack in the San Joaquin River basin.
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.
2026-2027 Land-Based Charges Due2026-2027 Land-Based Charges – Second Installment
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.
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.
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 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 are developing a monitoring and control plan aimed at minimizing impacts to water deliveries. Staff is executing a treatment project on Laterals 4L and 7R starting the week of July 20, 2026, in an initial effort to control the mussel populations in those systems. The treatment will involve application of LakeLife, a copper based molluscicide, at the headworks with the potential to boost treatment residuals along the pipeline as needed. The treatment duration will last for approximately 30 days followed by a two to three week break and another treatment as necessary. All treatments should conclude by November 2026. Treatments will not affect water users’ ability to deliver water. Staff will coordinate a brief shutdown once the treatment has concluded to inspect and observe the treatment’s effectiveness. Water Users are requested to report any sightings in filtration systems or on farm irrigation systems to the Field Engineering and Planning Department as tracking the mussels’ spread plays an important role in addressing issues before they become critical.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13R | July 30 | Algae Treatment | 6:00 am – 2:30 pm |
| 30R | July 30 | Tank Painting Job Walk | 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| 17R | August 3 | Algae Treatment | 6:00 am – 2:30 pm |
| 28R | August 4 | Algae Treatment | 6:00 am – 2:30 pm |
| 14RB & C Meters (114075-114180) | August 5 | Algae Treatment | 6:00 am – 2:30 pm |
| 16R | August 7 | Algae Treatment | 6:00 am – 2:30 pm |
| 29R | August 17 | Algae Treatment | 6:00 am – 2:30 pm |
| 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 |
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
Kori Frauenheim: (559) 241-6231 – kfrauenheim@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.
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
As you plan your water budget for the new contract year, which began on March 1, 2026, please review Article 1, Regulations for the Groundwater Allocation Program and Use of Groundwater within the Westside Subbasin, available on the Regulations page of the website. Please note that a Groundwater User must apply for voluntary participation in the Groundwater Allocation Program to receive a groundwater allocation. Per Article 1, the 2026-27 Contract Year Groundwater Allocation is 1.0 AF per Gross Acre.
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, August 19, 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.
A Program meeting will be held at the Five Points Field Office on Thursday, August 4, at 6:00 pm. Details of the Program meeting are located on the attached flyers. The Final Program Plan is anticipated to be completed and presented to the District Board of Directors at a Regular Fall 2026 Board Meeting.
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 1-877-311-3276. 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. 811