News Archive
Abundant Snowfall in High Sierras Results in Early Kings River Diversion for Alta Irrigation District
- Published: March 12 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2019
Abundant Snowfall in High Sierras Results in Early Kings River Diversion for Alta Irrigation District
Dinuba, CA – Alta Irrigation District (District) Board of Directors, at a special board meeting held on March 6, authorized the general manager to start diverting Kings River water at any time based on projected run-off information provided by the Kings River watermaster and other water resources planning information. While this year will not have the same volume of run-off as 2017, the projected snow melt run-off is anticipated to be large enough for this year’s diversion to be in top 5 since completion of Pine Flat Dam – nearly a quarter million acre-feet of water was diverted in 2017. The initial “wet up” of the irrigation system focuses on conveying water in canals connected to basins (Nebraska, London Pond, Traver, Harder, and 4th Avenue). Additional canals will be brought online based on demand and amount of runoff entering canals from east side creeks. Since the District is in the process of staffing up for water run, users will not be charged for nor will there be any scheduling of water at this time. Any water present in the District’s ditches is available for users on an “as-is” basis. The District may curtail early diversion of Kings River water, at any time, to protect facilities from inundation by uncontrolled run-off generated from rainfall events occurring in the foothills to the east of the District; flood control is the responsibility of the Counties of Fresno and Tulare, not Alta Irrigation District. The Board of Directors will consider continuing with early Kings River diversion and setting a start date for water run at a March 14th Board meeting.
Contact Person: Stan Sasaki, (559) 591-0800
End of the 2018 Water Run for Alta Irrigation District
- Published: August 22 2018
For Immediate Release
Dinuba, CA - Alta Irrigation District's 2018 water run will end Tuesday, August 28th as remaining water behind Pine Flat Dam is needed for environmental purposes on the Kings River and other prior commitments.
Contact Person: Stan Sasaki, (559) 805-7522
5% Entitlement Groundwater Only- NO Water Demands
- Published: August 15 2018
As of Monday, August 20, 2018, 5% Entitlement - Groundwater Only parcels will NO LONGER be allowed to make water demands.
If you have any questions please call Stan at 559-805-7522
2018 Water Run **UPDATE**
- Published: May 17 2018
Alta Irrigation District Sets Allotment Schedule for 2018 Water Run **UPDATED** as of 7/1/2018
Alta Irrigation District Board of Directors took action approving the following Allotment for the 2018 Water Run at a Special Board Meeting held on May 16, 2018. District staff was authorized to adjust the entitlement and irrigation schedules, as needed, to protect the integrity of the ditches and to adapt to changes in weather patterns, runoff forecast, and storage in Pine Flat Lake. Entitlement for 100% lands was set for 4 days per 20 acres at 1 cfs with the number of days prorated based on entitlement category. See table below for a summary of allotments by entitlement category.
|
Entitlement Category |
Allotment |
|
100% |
4 days per 20 acres at 1 cfs |
|
75% |
3 days per 20 acres at 1 cfs |
|
50% |
2 days per 20 acres at 1 cfs |
|
25% |
1 day per 20 acres at 1 cfs |
|
Groundwater Only |
1 day per 20 acres at 1 cfs * |
* Groundwater Only allotmment is subject to change; check website for updates.
Ditchtenders will be available to take water orders on May 17. Please refer to postcards from Alta Irrigation District for information about the ditch serving your property, ditchtender’s phone number, and turnout number. Contact Stan Sasaki, Superintendent, at (559) 805-7522 if there are maintenance issues on the ditch(es) serving your property; please leave a detailed message.
Volumetric Surcharges will begin on May 17 for any water diverted from ditches. Below is a tabular summary of water charges, by entitlement category, for the 2018 Water Run.
|
Entitlement Category |
Water Charge |
|
25% to 100% |
$4.75 per acre-foot |
|
Groundwater Only |
$7.75 per acre-foot |
Note(s): 1. Groundwater Only charge consist of a $4.75 per acre-foot base charge plus a $3.00 per acre-foot surcharge.
If there are any further questions about Water Run, please contact the District office at (559) 591-0800, extension 10.
WATER RELEASE
- Published: May 04 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2017
Kings River Water Available to Landowners in Alta Irrigation District Ahead of Water Run
Dinuba, CA – Above normal precipitation and record snowfall within the Kings River watershed during March and April resulted in above-average entitlement for Alta Irrigation District that must be used to make more space available behind Pine Flat Dam for additional runoff from the high country. In response to this bountiful supply, Alta Irrigation District has and continues to bring Kings River water into its system for direct use. Although water run is not scheduled to start until May 17th, this water is available to landowners on an “as-is” basis and available at no cost through May 16th. Ditchtenders will not be managing water prior to May 17th; however, water orders can be placed starting May 14th or anytime thereafter. Periodically visit Alta Irrigation District’s website (www.altaid.org) or office for updates on this pre-water run and official water run.
Contact Person: Stan Sasaki, (559) 591-0800