FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2019
During their monthly meeting on October 15, the Fresno Irrigation District (FID) Board of Directors unanimously approved to extend the 2019 irrigation season for the entire district into early November. The season may extend up to November 15, but could end earlier depending on several factors including irrigation demand and weather.
The 2019 water year was the 17th wettest in Kings River recorded history at 170% of average runoff, making for an eight-and-a-half month irrigation season. An average FID irrigation season is six months.
“Many growers took advantage of FID’s large water supply this fall to make post-harvest irrigations,” stated FID’s General Manager Bill Stretch. “Looking forward, these wet-year fall irrigations will be very important to recharge the aquifers and achieve groundwater sustainability”. Stretch encourages growers to continue to irrigate their crops with surface water for the remainder of the irrigation season.
It is important that growers schedule their next irrigation with their water system operator (WSO). For more information on the WSO that serves each area, visit the “Growers” page on our updated website at www.fresnoirrigation.com/growers. Questions may also be directed to the FID office by phone at (559) 233-7161 or email at info@fresnoirrigation.com.
District crews will use the off-season shutdown to conduct maintenance, repairs and construct projects that will enhance the water system’s infrastructure for the 2020 season.
###
Since 1920, the Fresno Irrigation District has proudly delivered water to agricultural and urban communities within Fresno County. Today, the District encompasses over 250,000 acres of prime farmland and municipal areas, including the cities of Fresno and Clovis. As the premier irrigation district in the Central Valley, the District is extensively involved in a host of local, state and federal water issues.