1. Major Pipeline Project Moving Forward A significant pipeline project to deliver water from the main canal to Sand Creek and Mustang Creek is progressing, with surveying currently underway and expected completion by end of month. This pressurized 42-inch pipeline will primarily target the cone of depression area and could potentially move up to 35,000 acre-feet of water, though the full capacity would require running 24 hours a day for over 180 days during spring season.
2. Water Use Fee Invoices Issued with Deposit System GSA water use fee invoices have been sent out requiring payment of Category 0 and Category 1 allocations as a deposit by August 11th. Growers using only surface water can pay the deposit and request refunds later, while those exceeding their allocation will receive additional true-up bills at year-end based on actual groundwater use.
3. TID Replenishment Water Usage Dramatically Increasing Replenishment water usage from TID has grown significantly - from rarely using 5,000 acre-feet historically to projecting 8,000 acre-feet this year (already used 3,000 by last month). This increase is due to expanding service areas and additional side gates, with access available up to 35,000 acre-feet when available.
4. Infrastructure Reimbursement Program Continues Both districts maintain 50% cost-sharing programs for landowners installing infrastructure to connect to surface water supplies.
5. Merced Irrigation District Water Supply Eastside has used 1,367 of their 1,770 allocated acre-feet from Merced Irrigation District, with management exploring options to exceed allocation if possible.
6. Board Appointments for Ballico Cortez Alberto Flores was appointed as board alternate and TAC representative, with Dick Urlich appointed as alternate TAC representative.
7. Coordination Emphasis for New Projects Districts are emphasizing coordination between landowners for new side gate projects to maximize efficiency and minimize individual connections to TID infrastructure.
8. Cone of Depression Monitoring The cone of depression has shifted location from previous measurements, now centered more westward, with water levels currently at mean sea level compared to negative 12 feet in October 2024.
9. Self-Reporting Features Coming in September New dashboard features for self-reporting surface water use, groundwater use, and fallowing will be available in September, with workshops planned to help growers use these tools correctly.
10. Grant Funding Opportunities Being Explored Staff are actively pursuing various grant opportunities including SWEEP funds to help offset project costs for landowners.
How to Engage: For questions about projects, infrastructure reimbursement, or coordination with TID side gates, contact Sarah Woolf at (559) 341-0174 or Michelle (consultant). The next Eastside Water District meeting is August 21, 2025, and the next joint meeting is October 16, 2025.
