This notice regards:
Items to Note
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Update
Antonio Solorio: (559) 241-6244 or sgma@wwd.ca.gov
The Draft Westside Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan 2025 Amendment (GSP) is available for public review and posted on the website, wwd.ca.gov/SGMA. The GSP was revised to address the Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) corrective actions. The District is seeking public comments through December 6, 2024. The District will hold a public hearing on December 17, 2024, prior to considering the GSP for adoption.
For water users with private recharge projects, the District recommends that water users consider participating in the Groundwater Credit Program. The Standard Recharge Program Application and supporting guidance document (Attachment 2 of Article 1) can be found on the District’s SGMA Website.
If you operated an approved recharge project last year through the standard application process, not the 2023 expedited recharge application, please return page 7 before recharge commences. Also, if you are operating a recharge project this year, please submit your meter reading online, https://arcg.is/1mnyvK0.
The next Advisory and Technical Advisory Committee Meetings are scheduled for February 25, 2025, at 9:00am.
Assessment Equalization Hearing
Jessie Xiong: (559) 241-6212
At the equalization hearing on May 21, 2024, the Board of Directors established the District’s 2024 Benefit Assessment, which constitutes liens on each parcel of land assessed, due, and payable as of May 21, 2024. Statements were mailed on June 10, 2024, and the assessments became delinquent after November 21, 2024.
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.
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.
Holiday Office Closures & Water Ordering Procedures
The emergency telephone number for after-hours and holidays is (559) 224-1523
District offices will be closed at noon on Wednesday, November 27, 2024; Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29, 2024, in observance of Thanksgiving; Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25, 2024, for the Christmas holiday; and Wednesday, January 1, 2025, for New Year’s Day. The affected water ordering deadlines are as follows:
| For Water Use On | Place Water Order By |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, Thursday or Friday – November 27, 28, or 29 | Tuesday, November 26, 10:00 a.m. |
| Saturday, Sunday, or Monday – November 30, December 1 or 2 | Tuesday, November 26, noon |
| Tuesday – December 24 | Monday, December 23, 9:30 a.m. |
| Wednesday or Thursday – December 25 or 26 | Monday, December 23, noon |
| Wednesday – January 1 | Tuesday, December 31, 9:30 a.m. |
| Thursday – January 2 | Tuesday, December 31, noon |
Annual Fall Groundwater Elevation Readings
Jose Rangel: (559) 241-6220 or jrangel@wwd.ca.gov
District staff and its consultant will begin collecting fall groundwater elevation readings in 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.
2025-2026 Agricultural Water Allocation Applications Due January 15, 2025
Water users will receive their 2025-2026 Agricultural Water Allocation Application packets during the first part of December 2024. Landowners will not receive packets unless they are also water users or have requested them previously. Allocation Applications are due at either the Fresno or Five Points offices by 5:00 p.m. on or before January 15, 2025.
Typically, the landowners’ tenant farmers will submit the Allocation Applications. However, landowners may submit the Allocation Application themselves if more direct control of the allocation to their land is desired or tenants have not been selected. Landowners are reminded that the costs associated with water applied for and allocated must be paid, even if the water is not used.
If more than one Allocation Application is received for the same parcel of land, priority will be given to the landowner in accordance with the District’s rules and regulations. If neither entity submitting the Allocation Application owns the land, priority will be given to the water user who provides evidence of the right to occupy the land and receive the allocation.
The District is also requesting an estimate of the number of acres you expect to fallow in the 2025-2026 water contract year. Providing this information will not affect your request for a water supply allocation. The information will only be used to educate the public on how the continued lack of water supply is impacting water users.
2025-2026 Groundwater Allocation Applications Due January 15, 2025
Landowners will receive their 2025-2026 Groundwater Allocation Application packets during the first part of December 2024. Allocation Applications are due at either the Fresno or Five Points offices by 5:00 p.m. on or before January 15, 2025.
All Groundwater Users are subject to the District’s Regulations. The groundwater allocation is made at the parcel level to all eligible gross acres (also referred to as assessed acres).
If more than one application is received for the same parcel of land, priority will be given to the Landowner in accordance with the District’s Regulations. If none of the applications are from the Landowner, priority will be given to the water user who provides evidence of the right to occupy the land and receive the allocation.
WATER SUPPLY
2024-2025 CVP Contract Allocation
On June 25, 2024, the Bureau of Reclamation increased the 2024-25 Central Valley Project (CVP) allocation from 40% to 50% for south of Delta agricultural water contractors. Water users are encouraged to use the additional allocation and refrain from pumping groundwater
2024-2025 Water Supply Update
The CVP currently has approximately 6,636,000 acre-feet (AF) of water stored in northern CVP reservoirs; this represents 118% of the 15-year average. Shasta Reservoir storage is approximately 2,526,000 AF; 110% of the 15-year average. Federal storage in San Luis Reservoir is 356,000 AF; 92% of the 15-year average. Since October 1, total exports averaged 8,369 cfs with the Jones and Banks Pumping Plants averaging 3,857 cfs and 4,539 cfs, respectively.
2025-2026 Water Rescheduling
Russ Freeman: (559) 241-6241
The District will be limited to rescheduling approximately 119,000 acre-feet into the 2025-26 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 or rescheduling) 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 Customer Website.
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 $771.81. 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 several instances of damage and delayed work 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 Shutdown Schedule 2024
Alex Garcia: (559) 884-2523 ext. 108
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-1 | Nov. 25 | PG&E Equipment Maint. | 1:00AM-7:00AM |
| 23R | Dec. 2 – Dec. 6 | Quinquennial | 7:00AM-3:30PM |
| 26L | Dec. 2 – Dec. 6 | Pipeline Repair | 7:00AM -3:30PM |
| 18R | Dec. 3 | PG&E Equipment Maint. | 7:00AM-5:00PM |
| 16R | Dec. 3 | PG&E Equipment Maint. | 7:00AM-5:00PM |
| 9L | Dec. 9 – Dec. 13 | Quinquennial | 7:00AM-3:30PM |
| 16L | Dec. 9 – Dec. 13 | Capital Valve Replacement | 7:00AM-3:30PM |
| 11L | Dec. 16 – Dec. 20 | Quinquennial | 7:00AM-3:30PM |
| 18R | Jan. 6 – Jan. 10 | Quinquennial | 7:00AM-3:30PM |
| 23L | Jan. 13 – Jan. 17 | Quinquennial | 7:00AM-3:30PM |
| 7RC Meters Affected (107115-107235) | Jan. 13 – Jan. 14 | Transformer Maintenance | 7:00AM -7:00AM |
| 21R | Jan. 14 – Jan. 15 | Transformer Maintenance | 7:00AM -7:00AM |
| 17R | Jan. 15 – Jan. 16 | Transformer Maintenance | 7:00AM -7:00AM |
| 9L Meters Affected (9005-9025) | Jan. 16 – Jan. 17 | Transformer Maintenance | 7:00AM -7:00AM |
| 13L Meters Affected (13005-13052 | Jan. 17 – Jan. 20 | Transformer Maintenance | 7:00AM -7:00AM |
| 15L Meters Affected (15005-15013) | Jan. 20 – Jan. 21 | Transformer Maintenance | 7:00AM -7:00AM |
| 13R | Jan. 21 – Jan. 22 | Transformer Maintenance | 7:00AM -7:00AM |
| 3R | Jan. 21 – Jan. 23 | Deferred Electrical Maint | 7:00AM -3:30PM |
| 6-1PP | Jan. 22 | Transformer Maintenance | TBD |
2025-2026 Quinquennial Inspection and Repair Shutdown Schedule
Alex Garcia: (559) 884-2523 ext. 108
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 |
RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Westlands Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program
Shelly Ruiz: (559) 241-6228 or sruiz@wwd.ca.gov
There is an opportunity for growers and interested parties to attend the District’s Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program (Program) Steering Committee (SC) and/or Outreach Advisory Committee (OAC) meetings. Please check the District’s calendar for the next SC/OAC meeting.
The Program vision is to develop a Subbasin-wide land repurposing program to implement projects that repurpose agricultural land to reduce reliance on groundwater while providing community health, economic well-being, water supply, habitat, and climate benefits. The purpose of the SC is to provide advice and recommendations to the District GSA regarding the Program Plan, and to evaluate potential repurposing projects for feasibility and their ability to provide lasting benefits in the Westside Subbasin. The purpose of the OAC is to promote collaboration and develop an outreach and communication approach in the development of the Program Plan, support Program engagement events and activities, and address comments.
Low-Interest Irrigation or Recharge Equipment Lease Program
Kori Peterson: (559) 241-6231 or kpeterson@wwd.ca.gov
The District increased the loan amount for the Expanded Irrigation System Improvement or Recharge Program (EISIRP). The District’s EISIRP offers low-interest loans of up to $200,000, to water users for the lease-purchase of irrigation systems and recharge project equipment. 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 EISIP/Public Purpose Program (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.
Effective September 1, 2024, the District will no longer consent to irrigate, from any source, leased District land. All new leases will be non-irrigable.
Westlands Water Quality Coalition Members
Kori Peterson: (559) 241-6231 or wwqc@wwd.ca.gov
The Coalition prohibits agricultural discharges into the westside creeks, including discharges due to filtration system backflushing, irrigation leaks, and tailwater runoff. These discharges are also considered a waste of water and are violations of the District’s “Article 2 – Regulations for the Allocation and use of Agricultural Water Within Westlands Water District”. Members are required to implement Best Management Practices to ensure there are no discharges to the westside creeks.
Groundwater and Irrigation System Management Program Outage Information
Jennifer Montoya: (559) 241-6242 or jmontoya@wwd.ca.gov
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, damaged transformers, and damaged or missing meters. Before contacting PG&E, you will need your prior PG&E meter number or account number. This information may also be included in the GWMP/ISMP application(s).
No. 762