TURLOCK – On Tuesday, the Turlock Irrigation District’s Board of Directors approved a resolution to begin the 2009 irrigation season on Friday, March 20. The resolution authorized the Water Distribution Department Manager to begin setting and filling the canal system for water deliveries on Friday
As a result of improved conditions in the watershed over the past several weeks a minimum of 36″ of water will be available to growers for the 2009 irrigation season. Conditions have improved to the extent that Staff is optimistic additional water above the 36” can be made available. The final allotment and irrigation season end date will likely be established at the April 14, 2009 board meeting once the April 1st snow surveys are complete and the final watershed conditions can be evaluated.
The 2009 water charge for the allotment is $23.00 per acre. Additional water available above the allotment may be purchased for $15.00 for the first acre-foot, and when water is available $20.00 per acre-foot thereafter.
Growers may begin placing water orders starting 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, by calling the TID Call Center at (209) 883-8456. The annual water allotment will be established in April when the extent of the projected spring runoff is more certain.
TID is the first Irrigation District established in California and currently provides water to 5,800 growers farming approximately150,000 acres.