Merced Irrigation District has wells ready amid record dry winter

While a handful of regional water districts have approved early irrigation seasons, the Merced Irrigation District Board continues to rely on groundwater pumping to help farmers through the dry winter months.

Not all irrigation districts have the luxury of pumping large amounts of groundwater, said Hicham Eltal, Merced Irrigation District's deputy general manger of water resources. "The difference is that MID owns a network of groundwater wells. We can provide sufficient water at a moment's notice. If there's a demand, we turn on the wells."

The only catch: groundwater provided by MID during the winter is expensive.

During the off-season, groundwater can cost as much as $33 an acre-foot (about 326,000 gallons). When the board approves the start of the irrigation season, both groundwater and water flowing from Lakes Yosemite and McClure will cost $18.25 an acre-foot.

"Irrigation could be started early," said Mike Jensen, spokesman for the irrigation district. "But the challenge in doing that is if it does end up being a critically dry year, then that's less water that's available during the summer growing season."

Some farmers, such as those growing fruit and nut trees, which need a steady supply of water year-round, may have little choice but to pay for the winter water.

During this storm season, which started July 1, the area serviced by the MID has received only 2.4 inches of rain. The season average is roughly 12 inches.

Demand for the more expensive winter water is relatively low, Jensen said. "Keep in mind, 108 farmers have taken water this winter," he said. "And 2,200 will take it during regular irrigation season."

Jeff Marchini, president of the Merced County Farm Bureau, said the MID is a grower-owned district that must balance the demands of all its members. "Am I looking to the board of MID to offset my pumping cost right now? No," he said. "That's not MID's responsibility to accomplish that.

"They're looking at it like we need to look at it," he added on the topic of approving the irrigation season. "They can open the gates -- but as far as I'm concerned it's pay me now or pay me later. I'm not ready to push the panic button."

This month, the MID board is expected to vote on this year's irrigation season start date. The irrigation season typically begins in March.

Reporter Joshua Emerson Smith can be reached at (209) 385-2486 or jsmith@mercedsunstar.com.

This story was originally published February 1, 2012 at 10:49 PM with the headline "Merced Irrigation District has wells ready amid record dry winter."