The Grower - June 2023

THEGROWER

Water Rights

Legislation Poses Threat to TID’s Historic Water Rights

Current legislation in California is proposing significant changes to the water rights system. The water rights system provides certainty and consistency, enabling TID to provide irrigation water to the most vital agriculture land in the state, as well as the provision of reliable, carbon-free hydropower. These water rights, held by TID on behalf of its customers, are paramount to TID operations and play a crucial role supporting the local economy that impacts all TID customers.

On April 18, TID General Manager, Michelle Reimers, testified at the California Assembly Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife in opposition of Assembly Bill 1337. This bill, along with three others introduced in the California legislature this year, would make sweeping changes to the California Water Rights System and greatly expand the authorities of the State Water Resources Control Board.

TID, who jointly owns its water rights with the Modesto Irrigation District, has an assortment of preand post-1914 water rights that

cover diversion, storage, and power generation. These water rights are the most senior appropriative water rights on the Tuolumne River — the oldest of which is 1871 – and are the foundation of TID’s ability to provide consistent irrigation water.

Important Dates

1st Installment Fixed Water Charge: June 20

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Scan the QR Code, or visit www.TID.org/ WaterRights, to learn about TID’s water rights, California’s water rights system and to stay up to date on California’s water legislation.

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2nd Installment 2023 ID Assessments: June 20

Last Day to Order Water: October 28

Last Day of Irrigation Season: November 1

Get regular updates on Hydrology Conditions, News & Announcements, and important date reminders by signing up for TID emails.

Go to: TID.org/groweremail

Record-Breaking Snowpack

In-line with the record-setting precipitation received in the 2022-2023 Water Year, the amount of snowpack still in the Tuolumne River Watershed continues to hit new heights. As of May 31, the snowpack sits at 325% of average for the date. Snowpack runoff, the largest source of inflow to the Tuolumne River, typically begins in April, but the depth and moderate temperatures of April and May contributed to a much slower snowmelt.

On December 31, 2022, runoff into Don Pedro Reservoir from a large precipitation event hit 45,000 cubic feet per second, which is roughly four times the channel capacity of the Tuolumne River and approaching the largest ever releases from Don Pedro, made during the 1997 storms. If not for Don Pedro Dam & Reservoir, those flood flows would have inundated the communities outside the banks of the river.

Elevation of Don Pedro Reservoir was 791 feet as of May 31. The maximum elevation at the top of the spillway is 830 feet. The amount of potential runoff in the snowpack is roughly 1,700,000 acre-feet (AF), which is about 84% of the total capacity of Don Pedro Reservoir (2,030,000 AF). TID has continuously made releases from Don Pedro, in compliance with channel capacities and coordination with other San Joaquin River system tributaries, since January. It will continue these releases throughout the summer to accommodate in the incoming runoff.

Considering Micros or Drip?

If you are considering converting your irrigation to drip, micro, or sprinklers, (i.e. land conversion), you must first verify that a non-standard head of water can be delivered to your property. Systems installed without prior approval may be denied water if the configuration is not compatible with the District’s infrastructure and operations. TID has a program to assist in these types of conversions.

The TID On-Farm Flow Efficiency Recommendation (O.F.F.E.R.) program will send members of our Civil Engineering and Water Distribution departments to your property to assess 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.

Please keep in mind that this type of conversion may negatively impact groundwater recharge in your area.

Irrigation Rule 7

The cancellation of a water order requires a minimum of 24 hour notice. The following irrigation rule was included in the Resolution setting the 2023 Irrigation Season for the District, as approved by the TID Board at the February 21, 2023 meeting.

Resolution 2023-3, Item #8

The cancellation of a water order requires a minimum of 24 hour notice. Any cancellation provided less than 24 hours in advance of delivery is not a valid cancellation. Invalid cancellations will result in the accrual of water chargers and the amount of water requested will be counted towards the parcel’s available water. In addition, an invalid cancellation will render Irrigation Rule 6.4.2 inapplicable. Each customer will be allowed one (1) invalid cancellation within 24 hours of delivery before accruing additional charges for water.

HELP CURB ILLEGAL DUMPING

Cleaning up illegal trash dumps in or around TID canals and facilities ultimately comes at the expense of all our ratepayers and creates delays in completing other important tasks.

If you witness someone dumping trash in or around any TID facilities, please call Rank Investigations immediately, 24 hours a day at 209-526-2025.