The board approved the 2026 irrigation season at 48 inches per acre, running March 12 through October 28, with water orders opening March 11. Under the existing multi-year rate schedule, the Tier 1 volumetric rate is now $3.23/acre-foot for the first 48 inches (year two), and replenishment water above that is available at $20/acre-foot. Out-of-district replenishment water within the groundwater subbasin was also approved at $50/acre-foot.
The 2026 irrigation season is set to begin March 12 with a full 48-inch allocation and no cap for in-district growers, with water ordering opening March 11. Hydrology conditions are strong, with significant precipitation forecast to bring snowpack to near-average levels. Staff also reported the Ceres Main canal automated control pilot is ready to go live at season start, with a grower workshop scheduled February 25.
Precipitation to date is around average thanks to early winter storms, but snowpack is only 57% of normal, creating operational challenges. Don Pedro is about 5,000 acre-feet below its flood control space, so additional releases may be needed if a wetter forecast materializes. If warm, dry conditions persist, early irrigation demand is expected while main canal drops 7 and 8 remain out of service for about 2–3 more weeks.
The District faces below-average snowpack at 57% of normal despite near-average precipitation, with early rainfall creating flood control concerns and potential for an early irrigation season if dry conditions persist. Main Canal drops 7 and 8 are undergoing complete reconstruction for 2-3 weeks, with system preparation targeted for completion within three weeks. A renewable energy prepay transaction is drawing strong market interest and may support more stable future power costs.
The Board authorized a 25‑year renewable power purchase agreement for a 130‑MW solar plus 130‑MW battery project to help meet state requirements and manage costs. A grower satisfaction survey showed 93.8% overall satisfaction, well above peer benchmarks. Hydrology updates highlighted upcoming storms and modeling that could push Don Pedro to flood control levels by February.
