Drought Conditions Produce Second Driest Water Year on Record for Alta Irrigation District

Published: June 17 2021

Dinuba, CA – The Alta Irrigation District (Alta) Board of Directors decided, at a regularly scheduled meeting on June 10^th, that available water supply is not sufficient for a water run this year.

As dry weather conditions persist across the state, federal and state agencies continue to downgrade runoff forecasts for river systems. According to Bulletin 120 from the California Department of Water Resources, Kings River runoff for April through July is projected to be 25% of average, which would be the fourth driest in over 125 years. Runoff forecasts fell 35 points since release of the first Bulletin 120 report in February.

Unfortunately, this year is not the first time Alta did not have sufficient water supply for a water run. During the final year of the driest three-year period (2013-15) on record, Alta did not receive any water supply during the peak runoff period of April through July, which prevented a water run. Alta’s share of Kings River runoff during that 2015 Water Year was its lowest on record. As for the 2021 Water Year, Kings River runoff for Alta is currently the third lowest on record and it is not expected to improve during the remaining months – the 1977 Water Year had the second lowest runoff volume. These dry years serve as a reminder about the importance of system reoperations during wet years such as 2017 and 2019. Collectively, reoperations allowed Alta to divert about an additional 91,000 acre-feet of water, which benefited the local aquifer. Alta will continue to enhance its reoperation efforts and implement new projects to capture Kings River flood flows.

Drought Conditions Impact Alta Irrigation District’s 2021 Water Run

Published: April 26 2021

Dinuba, CA – Limited snowpack within the Kings River watershed and dry weather conditions foretell of reduced surface water supply this irrigation season for water users. According to Bulletin 120 from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), Kings River runoff is projected to be less than thirty (30) percent of average. DWR’s water supply projections fell 30 points since release of its first report in February. If dry weather continues for the remainder of this year, total runoff volume for the Kings River may be one of ten driest events since the late 1890s.

Alta Irrigation District faces uncertainty regarding this year’s water run because of dry weather conditions and mild spring temperatures. During this type of weather pattern, Kings River runoff occurring in May determines when the District may start water run and its anticipated duration. The 2014 water run was the last time the District experienced water conditions like this year – that water run was about 25 days and it started in mid-July. So, visit the District’s website mid June for the next update on this year’s water run.

Seasonal Maintenance I/Ditchtender

Published: February 09 2021

Alta Irrigation District is accepting applications for a Seasonal Maintenance I/Ditchtender position.  Contact Marc Limas at 559.591.0800 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an application.    Position open until filled.

Kings River Prepares For State Board Hearing On Kern District's Water-Grab Effort

Published: January 19 2021

For the complete press release, click the link below:

Kings River Prepares For State Board Hearing On Kern District's Water-Grab Effort