Madera Irrigation District Is Beginning Water Deliveries and Groundwater Recharge Efforts

 Madera Irrigation District (MID or District) is beginning water releases to alleviate flood potential, provide surface water delivery to District landowners, and commence groundwater recharge efforts.

The MID Board of Directors at the January 6, 2026 Special Board Meeting made the decision to allow operations to begin immediately. The Board of Directors is providing this water at a reduced cost to promote use and recharge, benefiting District growers while supplementing the groundwater aquifer. The District is also continuing to support MID’s On-Farm Recharge Program, encouraging District growers to actively recharge surface water on their crops during these periods when water is available.  The rate for Original District Landowners is currently set at $10 per acre foot and the rate for Subordinate Landowners is $20 per acre foot.  

“MID has positioned itself to take advantage of these opportunities” stated Board President Dave Loquaci. “Investing in recharge basins, educating our growers on On-Farm Recharge opportunities, and being financially stable to offer the water at a reduced rate is key during times like these and for the future sustainability of the District.”

MID growers interested in taking advantage of this water supply must fill out a Crop Water Application and order water prior to taking any deliveries, the availability will be location dependent.  The District is encouraging all MID growers with the ability to take surface water to do so now, as the extent and duration are unknown.

MID is accepting Crop Water Applications and water orders now. To sign up or to order water please contact the office at 559-673-3514 or at Madera Irrigation District, 12152 Road 28 ¼, Madera, CA.  Crop water applications will be accepted via email and in-person. 

The District would also like to remind growers that they can view their water usage and account balances online via WaterUI.  If you need log-in assistance, please contact MID at 559-673-3514.  

Crop Water Distribution Policy Approved_1-06-26.pdf