2015 Update

Published: May 19 2015

Due to the precedent setting dry water year, Alta Irrigation District will not be delivering surface water for agricultural purposes this summer. The driest April through July water runoff forecast on record was 1924, which for Alta Irrigation District was 24.2 percent of average.  

Currently, the Kings River April through July water runoff forecast is from 8 to 11 percent of average.  This will be the first time since Alta Irrigation District was formed in 1888 that there will be no surface water deliveries for agriculture.  

California Groundwater Legislation

Published: September 25 2014

Governor's Message:

To the Members of the California Legislature:

I am signing AB 1739, SB 1168 and SB 1319, which taken collectively establish a new structure for managing the State's groundwater. These bills accomplish a number of goals described in the California Water Action Plan, a five-year plan to sustainably manage our water resources. When combined with the other elements outlined in the plan -- conservation, water recycling, expanded storage, safe drinking water, wetlands and watershed restoration - and the passage of Proposition 1, we can take giant strides to secure California's water future. A central feature of these bills is the recognition that groundwater management in California is best accomplished locally. Local agencies will now have the power to assess the conditions of their local groundwater basins and take the necessary steps to bring those basins in a state of chronic long-term overdraft into balance. The State's primary role is to provide guidance and technical support on how to plan for a more sustainable future and to step in on an interim basis when, but only when, local agencies fail to exercise their responsibilities as set forth in this legislation. My administration will work closely with all affected groups to ensure that the statute is fairly implemented. Further, I will submit for legislative consideration during the next session a proposal to streamline judicial adjudications of groundwater rights. GOVERNOR EDMUND G. BROWN JR.

Update News Release - Water Run

Published: July 11 2014

News Release

Alta Irrigation District

July 10, 2014

ALTA IRRIGATION DISTRICT WILL COMPLETE ITS LEVEE REPAIRS ON SATURDAY, JULY 12, 2014.

WATER WILL BE TURNED INTO ITS SYSTEM ON SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2014.

DUE TO THE QUICK SHUT DOWN ON JULY 6, 2014 IN RESPONSE TO THE LEVEE BREAK, FARMERS WILL STILL RECEIVE THEIR SAME PROJECTED ALLOTMENT OF 2.65 DAYS OF WATER PER 20 ACRES AT 100 PERCENT ENTITLEMENT.

DITCHTENDERS WILL BE TAKING WATER ORDERS ON MONDAY, JULY 14, 2014.

Follow us on twitter @AltaIrrigationD.

News Release Contact: Chris Kapheim (559) 591-0800, extension 13

AltaID News Release - Ditch Breach

Published: July 07 2014

News Release

Alta Irrigation District

July 7, 2014

On Sunday, July 6, 2014, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Alta Irrigation District’s Main Canal breached north of Highway 180. The Alta ID turned on water that morning and was running a start-up flow of 250 cubic feet per second. The area of the levee that breached is lined but was undermined by wild pigs.

In response to the event of water impacting nearby residences and Highway 180, Alta ID called for an emergency shutoff at 6:30 p.m. to the Kings River Water Association. Within several hours water noticeably receded from the impacted area. Public safety response from Caltrans, Calif. Fire, Fresno County Sheriff officers and other early public agency response personnel was much appreciated for traffic control and general public safety.  

Alta ID has reviewed the damaged levee section and is implementing repairs. The scheduled repair is estimated to take one week. As a result, water run will be delayed for one week and will be re-initiated early next week.

Follow us on twitter @AltaIrrigationD.

News Release Contact: Chris Kapheim (559) 591-0800, extension 13