At the Tuesday Turlock Irrigation District (TID) Board of Directors Meeting, the TID Board approved a resolution to begin the 2010 irrigation season on Thursday, March 18 and for it to conclude on Wednesday, October 20.Due to the unsettled weather patterns often experienced at the start and end of the irrigation season, the resolution authorized staff to adjust the season, as necessary, based on weather conditions and irrigation needs. The Board would be apprised of any such adjustments during its weekly meetings.
TID Division 5 Director Ron Macedo requested that TID staff consider extending the irrigation season to meet the maintenance needs of walnut and almond farmers.
While current precipitation trends in the Tuolumne River watershed appear promising, the Board has deferred establishing the annual water allotment until the results of the March snow survey by the California Department of Water Resources is known.
Growers may begin placing water orders starting 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 17, by calling the TID Call Center at (209) 883-8456.
The 2010 water allotment charge is $26.00 per acre. When available, water above the allotment will be provided at the cost of $15.00 for the first acre-foot (up to 12”) and $20.00 per acre-foot for any water thereafter.
TID Preseason Grower Meetings
TID has scheduled a series of pre-irrigation season meetings for its growers. Attendees will hear the latest information available about the current status of the watershed, irrigation season outlook, control of aquatic growth in the canal system and an overview of legislative and regulatory processes with the potential to impact TID’s future water supply.
For convenience, two meetings will be held this year at the following times and locations:
Monday, March 1st · 7:00 p.m. · Hughson
Hughson Community Center · 2307 4th Street
Wednesday, March 3rd · 7:00 p.m. · Turlock
TID Boardroom · 333 East Canal Drive
