This notice regards:
Items to Note
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Update
Antonio Solorio: (559) 241-6244 or sgma@wwd.ca.gov
At the September Board Meeting, the Board approved the modifications to the Rules and Regulations of the Groundwater Allocation Program to allow for groundwater transfers (sustainable yield allocation and recharge credits) and the carryover of the transition allocation.
The District recommends that water users take advantage of the surplus water by developing a recharge project for the Groundwater Credit Program. The 2023 Recharge Program Application and supporting guidance document can be found on the District’s SGMA Website. The District established its policies and procedures for private recharge in its SGMA Rules and Regulations. The District hosted a workshop last month to encourage groundwater recharge in the Subbasin. If you missed the workshop, it is viewable YouTube.
The District is beneficially using the abundant supply of surface water available in the 2023-24 water contract year to recharge the Westside Subbasin. The District implemented the Zero Rate Surface Water Agreement and Private Recharge Facility Use for $100/AF Agreement on April 1, 2023. The Agreements can be found on the District’s website. Per the Agreements, surface water used for recharge will be credited back to the water user at the ACCOUNT level and prorated to all the meters that have usage that month. Please provide meter readings at the end of the month to ensure you are re-allocated for surface water used for recharge.
Modifications to Appendix A of Article 2, Continued Benefits to Modified Agricultural Land
Russ Freeman: (559) 241-6241
At the September Board Meeting, the Board approved modifications to Appendix A of Article 2, Continued Benefits to Modified Agricultural Land, eliminating the requirement that a landowner, or close affiliate, continue to own an equivalent or greater Eligible Cropland acreage to maintain Eligible Cropland status on land that is temporarily converted to non-agricultural use, provided all other criteria are met.
Assessment Equalization Hearing
Jessie Xiong: (559) 241-6212
At the equalization hearing on May 16, 2023, the Board of Directors established the District’s 2023 Benefit Assessment, which constitutes liens on each parcel of land assessed, due, and payable as of May 16, 2023. Statements were mailed on June 8, 2023, and the assessments are delinquent after November 16, 2023.
2023-2024 Land-Based Charges Due
Jessie Xiong: (559) 241-6212
The bills for the 2023-2024 Land-Based Charges were mailed on March 10, 2023, with the first installment due March 27, 2023, and the second installment due September 25, 2023. A penalty will be added to unpaid charges on the day following the payment due date.
Farming Operations Adjacent to the San Luis Canal
Kelly Vandergon: (559) 884-2523 ext. 107
District staff have received numerous calls from the Department of Water Resources (DWR) related to encroachments on the San Luis Canal (SLC) right-of-way. As a reminder, lands owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) and maintained by DWR should not be used as part of farming or groundwater recharge operations. Issues arise when this ground is used for vehicle or material storage, installation of permanent piping and above-ground structures, and planting of seasonal and/or permanent crops. Water users who are planning permanent plantings, installation of irrigation piping, or construction of groundwater recharge facilities in the immediate vicinity of the SLC, should consult with a licensed land surveyor, DWR, or the Field Engineering and Planning Department prior to finalizing their plans. Operations installed on USBR right-of-way will be relocated at the landowner’s expense. If there is a legitimate need to cross or use USBR right of way, please contact the Field Engineering and Planning Department to discuss the requirements.
Water Management Plan (5-Year Update)
Kori Peterson: (559) 241-6231 or kpeterson@wwd.ca.gov
The District’s water repayment contracts with the United States require the District to prepare a Water Management Plan (Plan) that demonstrates the implementation of Best Management Practices to promote water conservation. This Plan also satisfies the State’s requirements under the Agricultural Water Management Planning Act. On or about September 22nd, 2023, the District’s 2023 Water Management Plan (5-Year Update) will be available for public review on the Water Management Plan (5-Year Update) page on the District’s Website for 30 days.
Holiday Office Closures & Water Ordering Procedures
The emergency telephone number for after-hours and holidays is (559) 224-1523
District offices will be closed Friday, November 10, 2023, for Veterans Day and Thursday and Friday November 23 and 24, 2023 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. The affected water ordering deadlines are as follows:
| For Water Use On | Place Water Order By |
| Friday or Saturday – November 10 or 11 | Thursday, November 9, 9:30 a.m. |
| Sunday or Monday – November 12 or 13 | Thursday, November 9, noon |
| Thursday or Friday – November 23 or 24 | Wednesday, November 22, 9:30 a.m. |
| Saturday, Sunday or Monday – November 25, 26 or 27 | Wednesday, November 22, noon |
Summer Hours of Operation
Effective September 8, the Five Points Shop and Field Office (including TFO, HFO, and PVPP), concluded summer hours of operation and returned to the normal 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday schedule. 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.
Water User Conference Call User ID
Water User call participants can save time by signing up for a unique User ID. Upon calling into the meetings, you will be prompted to enter your 5-digit ID number in lieu of waiting for an operator to capture your name and contact information. To sign up visit BroadData Conferencing Website.
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, and matches water users with excess water and those with unmet demands.
The District has the potential to lose a significant amount of water at the end of the water year. For water users that have excess water, the message board is an opportunity to move water and avoid costs of lost water. Please call your Customer Service Representative for assistance in accessing or using the message board, or to set up your Web User profile.
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 consider contacting the District to provide access.
WATER SUPPLY
2023-2024 CVP Contract Allocation
The Bureau of Reclamation’s 2023-24 Central Valley Project (CVP) allocation to south of Delta agricultural water contractors is 100%. The District has made allocations to water users and met all requests for 2023-2024 CVP contract allocation from pre-merged, merged, and annexed lands. Water Users are encouraged to use surface water and refrain from pumping groundwater.
2023-2024 Water Supply Update
The CVP currently has approximately 8,108,000 acre-feet (AF) of water stored in northern CVP reservoirs; this represents 139% of the 15-year average. Shasta Reservoir storage is approximately 3,387,000 AF; 138% of the 15-year average. Federal storage in San Luis Reservoir is 803,000 AF; 245% of the 15-year average. Jones Pumping Plant is operating at 80% of capacity.
2023-2024 Supplemental Water Update
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250
As of August 14, 2023, the District has made 7,311 AF available for allocation and fulfilled all Supplemental Water requests. The District has about 13,000 AF of Supplemental Water remaining. The delivered price is estimated to be $230 to $270/AF.
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 you would like to be part of the 2023-2024 Supplemental Water program, please complete the agreement and return it to the Fresno Office. Requests will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so long as Supplemental Water is available.
- Mail to: Westlands Water District, P.O. Box 6056, Fresno, CA 93703. You may also hand deliver the agreement to the District’s Fresno Office, at 3130 N. Fresno Street.
- Scan and email: customeraccounting@wwd.ca.gov
- Facsimile to: (559) 241-6276
2023-2024 Turn Back Pool Update
Customer Service Representative: (559) 241-6250
The District is operating a Water Turn Back Pool for up to 30,000 acre-feet to further the District’s recharge activities and to enable water users to reduce their risk of losing water under the District’s Rescheduling Policy and avoid some of the associated costs. The District received requests to turn back 19,963 AF 2023-2024 CVP Contract Water, by the September 8, 2023, due date.
When the District accepts Turn Back Water, the quantity withdrawn from a water user’s account is a proration based upon the water required by the District at that time and the number of irrigable acres associated with accounts that have outstanding requests to turn back water. When an account’s request has been fulfilled, it will no longer participate, and the irrigable acres associated with that account will not be factored into subsequent turn backs. Accordingly, water users with relatively high per acre requests will turn back the bulk (increment above the pro-rata amount) of their request later, if water continues to be required.
Payment of $46.01 per acre foot is required at the time Turn Back Water is withdrawn by the District. The District will bill water users consistent with the Terms and Conditions of Agricultural Water Service. If payment is delinquent for 30 days or more, the District may return the Turn Back Water to the water user and reverse the charges. The water user would continue to be responsible for costs, in accordance with their 2023-2024 Agricultural Water Allocation Application and Purchase Agreement and the District’s Rescheduling Policy if the water is lost.
If you would like to participate in the 2023-2024 Turn Back Pool, please complete the agreement and return it to the Fresno Office by one of the following means.
- Mail to: Westlands Water District, P.O. Box 6056, Fresno, CA 93703. You may also hand deliver the agreement to the District’s Fresno Office, at 3130 N. Fresno Street.
- Scan and email: customeraccounting@wwd.ca.gov
- Facsimile to: (559) 241-6276
Late Requests to turn back water will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, after timely requests are accommodated.
2023-2024 Water Rescheduling
Russ Freeman: (559) 241-6241
The District will be limited to rescheduling approximately 120,000 acre-feet into the 2024-25 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:
- Any remaining Rescheduled Water in excess of the Acreage Based Cap (0.5 acre-feet per irrigable acre)
- Water rescheduled by the District
- Remaining Rescheduled Water
- Delivered Rescheduled Water in excess of the Acreage Based Cap
- Delivered Rescheduled Water within the Acreage Based Cap
Although the District’s Rescheduling Policy permits rescheduling in excess of the Acreage Based Cap, staff expects that after Cap Loss is applied, there will be 0.26 – 0.35 acre-feet per acre remaining, assuming all eligible acres participate in rescheduling water. If the San Luis Reservoir fills, which is highly likely, 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 wwd.ca.gov
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 $734.01. 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
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 2023
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28L | September 18-20 | Annual Painting Project | P Line Capacity Reduced |
| 29RB | September 21-22 | Re-establish overflow Structure at 29RB Tank | |
| 17R-C | September 25-27 | Annual Painting Project | Capacity Reduced 9/28 to 9/29 |
| 4R | September 25 – 29 | Quinquennial | |
| 18L | October 2 – 7 | Quinquennial | |
| PVPP | October 3 | Coldwash Switchyard | 8 Hour Shutdown |
| 26R | October 9 – 13 | Quinquennial | |
| 19R | October 16 -20 | Quinquennial | |
| 30R | October 23 -27 | Quinquennial | |
| 16R A, B, C | October 30 – Nov. 3 | Quinquennial | |
| 20R | November 13 – 17 | Quinquennial | |
| 13L | November 27-30 | Pipeline Repair | |
| 15L | December 4 – 8 | Quinquennial | |
| 38L | December 11 – 15 | Quinquennial |
2024-2025 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 2024-2025.
| Week | Division Valves to be inspected | Pumping Plant |
|---|---|---|
| 9/30/2024 | 26-1.7 | 26L |
| 10/7/2024 | 25R | |
| 10/14/2024 | 5-6.0 | 5L |
| 10/21/2024 | 14RA, 14RB, 14RC | |
| 10/28/2024 | 29-0.1 | 29RA, 29RB |
| 11/4/2024 | 8-5.0 | 8L |
| 11/18/2024 | 14-3.5, 14-5.5, 14-7.5, 14-10.5 | 14L |
| 12/2/2024 | 28R-1.0 | 28RA, 28RB, 28R-1.0W |
| 12/9/2024 | 9L | |
| 12/16/2024 | 11-2.0 | 11L |
| 1/6/2025 | 18R | |
| 1/13/2025 | 23L |
RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
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.
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.
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 the following information available: your prior PG&E meter number or account number. This information may also be included in the GWMP/ISMP application(s).
Irrigation Evaluation Cost Share Rebate
Kori Peterson: (559) 241-6231 or kpeterson@wwd.ca.gov
The District is offering water users a rebate for mobile lab services. Mobile lab services perform irrigation system evaluations by measuring water rate application, 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.
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 now 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.
No. 715