CHRIS KAPHEIM - Alta Irrigation District

Published: December 13 2011

Chris Kapheim, General Manager of Alta Irrigation District, just south of Fresno, describes the district's pricing and conjunctive use policies. About 10 years ago, the district adopted a volumetric water pricing structure, charging farmers based on the quantity of water delivered. This program has helped encourage conservation and efficiency - it has also led to more fiscal stability and equitable cost allocation, according to Kapheim. In addition, the district conjunctively manages its surface and groundwater to reduce groundwater pumping and increase groundwater recharge in wet years so that this resource is available in dry years.