TURLOCK IRRIGATION DISTRICT
THEGROWER DEC 2020
Growers Offer Feedback on Communications
A Message From TID’s General Manager I was born and raised in this community and I have had the privilege to be connected to agriculture my entire life. My grandparents invested in almonds over a half century ago, and I am beyond fortunate to farm that piece today with my husband and two boys. I have first-hand knowledge that farming to you isn’t just your business, it’s a part of who we are. With this knowledge, I will do everything I can to help TID preserve water for this region and along the way continue to adapt to regulatory challenges without losing what means the most to us. 2020 has been difficult for us all, however I hope soon I will be able to meet you, on your farm and talk about challenges you are facing and understand how TID can continue to be your partner. - MICHELLE REIMERS, TID GENERAL MANAGER
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In March, TID launched a survey of the District’s irrigation customers to identify how best to communicate and engage with you, the growers in our irrigation service area. The brief, 10-question survey was meant to identify preferred communication methods, satisfaction rates with current District communications, and invite customers to provide additional contact information for future communications. The survey was mailed directly to 5,000 growers and was distributed digitally via email and text messages to over 6,000 contacts. The preferred method by which to receive TID specific news and information, print responses heavily favored Printed Mail (55.25%) to the next preferred option of Email (20.76%). Digital responses preferred Email (43.93%) with a fairly even split for the next preferred method between Text Message (25.31%) and Printed Mail (24.69%) Based on the feedback we received and the high number of responses indicating the preference for printed information, TID made the decision to revamp our Grower Newsletter. The new format will allow us to communicate more of the information growers are looking for in a concise format. To address the growing number of irrigation customers who prefer their information in a digital format we will be creating a digital campaign on our social media platforms that pull articles and information from the newsletter. In addition, future issues of the newsletter will offer links and QR codes to additional information on certain topics and issues. We are hopeful that all of these changes will help bring you the information you need from the District to help you plan the operations of your farm, fields or property.
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www.TID.org
Important Off-Season Notices
ANNOUNCEMENTS Water Use Statement Due-Date: December 31, 2020
TID has an O.F.F.E.R for You
2nd Installment for Fixed Water Charge: December 20, 2020 1st Installment for 2021 Assessments: December 20, 2020 Last Day for Water Transfers: December 20, 2020 Growers intending to use TID canals and laterals or Improvement District facilities for irrigation purposes during the off-season must contact the Water Distribution Department (209-883-8356) to coordinate such use. Regular maintenance and repairs are often conducted to canals and laterals during the off-season and any use of TID infrastructure must be preapproved.
Irrigation Rule 2.3.1: Growers shall not plant or place trees, vines, shrubs fences or any other type of encroachment in, on, or over any District or Improvement District conduit or District right-of-way unless the District has given specific written approval for such encroachment. Please contact TID prior to placing encroachments in the District’s rightof-way. If you are unsure of what area constitutes the District’s right of way, TID can come on property, identify and mark the area, often at no cost to the grower. For more information, please contact Tristan Higgins at tshiggins@ tid.org or (209) 883-8670.
TID Wraps 2020 Irrigation Season The TID Hydrology department forecasted a drier than usual season. To see how the year wrapped up, please go to: www.TID.org/grower.
DAIRY FAN REBATE $100/HP PER FAN To learn more or to apply visit: TID.org/dairy or call (209) 883-8432
The TID O.F.F.E.R. (On-Farm Flow Efficiency Recommendation) program will send members of our Civil Engineering and Water Distribution departments to your property to evaluate your specific irrigation situation and help you identify potential opportunities to increase your overall efficiency. Simply email offerprogram@ tid.org and a TID staff member will begin your contact-free evaluation. The O.F.F.E.R. program can be especially helpful to growers planning to convert to drip/micro/sprinkler irrigation (i.e. land conversion). If you plan on making these enhancements to your property, you need to contact TID prior to performing any work, so that we can verify a non-standard head of water can be delivered. Systems installed without prior approval may be denied water if the configuration is not compatible with the District’s infrastructure and operations. Please keep in mind that this type of conversion may negatively impact groundwater recharge in your area. Again, contact offerprogram@tid.org or call Frank Leandro at (209) 883-8447.
WATER CALL CENTER
CONTACT US
Open 7 days a week during irrigation season from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (209) 883-8456
Pam Lancaster pmlancaster@TID.org (209) 883.8356