District approves $191 million capital infrastructure plan

The South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) Board of Directors approved the District’s $191 million Water Master Plan (WMP), setting the stage for system enhancements to ensure irrigation service reliability over the next 30 years by addressing aging infrastructure, implementing key modernization projects, and outlining financial strategies to pay for necessary upgrades.

The plan and Capital Infrastructure Program identifies maintenance, rehabilitation and service improvement projects and priorities, including:

• Improved level of service to meet evolving on-farm irrigation needs (flood conversion to sprinkler and drip/micro methods)
• Regulation and recirculation reservoirs to reduce operational spills and equalize service
• Automated flow control devices
• Canyon Tunnel and other upstream water supply improvements
• Variable rates of pipeline and canal replacement and/or rehabilitation
• Trenchless pipeline rehabilitation program

“This is an unprecedented and exciting time for the District,” said Board of Directors Vice President Mike Weststeyn. “This plan will clearly guide our capital project and financial plans for the future and also assures that the identified projects provide the greatest benefit for customers.”

Planning for the document began in 2018 and included engagement with the SSJID Board, local municipalities, grower organizations and a 30-member Grower Advisory Committee (GAC). The committee, made up of a representative group of irrigation customers, was established by SSJID to gain stakeholder input and guidance throughout the plan’s development. Draft plan recommendations were unveiled at a GAC meeting on Oct. 5, 2022.

“Involving our growers and partners was a critical part of the process,” said General Manager Peter Rietkerk. “Their feedback matters; they are the ones who will benefit from the improvements, which will have a positive impact on the area’s farming community and the regional economy.”

The WMP will be reviewed every five years to evaluate how strategies are being implemented and to update the plan for the next 30 years.