GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Introduction

Through the Groundwater Management Program, Westlands installs or acquires title to groundwater pumps and integrates them into its comprehensive water supply system. The program provides groundwater pumping from these District-owned facilities by program participants. Participants must agree to transfer groundwater pumping facilities to the District and to operate and maintain those facilities. Participants pump groundwater according to District schedules and are charged a cost-based fee for groundwater pumped. The program is an important step in the implementation of the District's Groundwater Management Plan. By integrating local groundwater resources into the District's overall water supply through the program's groundwater management and conjunctive use planning procedures, the District is able to improve overall supply reliability while minimizing total water supply costs.

Eligibility

Groundwater pumping facilities are eligible for inclusion in the program if they attain a 60 percent minimum overall plant efficiency and meet applicable safety standards. A participant must provide the result of an overall plant efficiency test that reflects the facility's current condition. The participant must also ensure that the pumping plant and related facilities meet applicable electrical and safety codes prior to transfer to the District . Groundwater pumping facilities must be equipped with a District-approved meter prior to transferring title of the equipment to the District.

District Regulations

Generally, District regulations applicable to the ordering, delivery, and payment for water, including the Terms and Conditions of Agricultural Water Service, are applicable to participant's pumping and use of program groundwater through transferred facilities.

Billing

Participants are billed for groundwater pumped under the program on an acre-foot basis pursuant to a water charge established by the Board of Directors. The water charge for program groundwater is based upon the District' s cost of delivery and reflects a transferred facility's pumping depth and efficiency. The District endeavors to structure water charges so that the average cost of energy per kWh is the same for all pumping facilities. Contact: Russ Freeman (559) 241-6241 Download program application package.