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OID is planning ahead as growth transforms valley's water priorities
Modesto Bee -
August
09,
2005
By Steve Knell
OID is planning ahead as growth transforms valley's water priorities
Modesto Bee – 8/9/05
By Steve Knell, general manager of the Oakdale Irrigation District
For the past several months, the board of directors and staff at the Oakdale Irrigation District and its resource planning team have been hard at work studying the fundamentals that shape the OID and its water system. This effort, known as the OID Water Resources Plan, is designed to guide the district for the next 20 years.
One of the key areas is past, current and future land use and how changes in crop types will change the demand for OID water.
Land use also touches on a number of other areas that influence water demand, including urban growth. How and where will the cities of Riverbank and Oakdale grow? How much ag land will be converted for homes?
We've also been looking at the OID water delivery system, which is badly in need of repair. What projects are a must ? Which projects, if implemented, will improve OID service to growers?
We've looked at water use. We've talked to customers about their future needs and what services they'd like us to provide. We've studied the amount that is leaving the district in the form of drainwater or water that OID releases for other purposes, called spills.
The significant findings to date are:
Agricultural land around the cities is urbanizing, which will cause a decreased demand for OID water.
OID customers are changing the type of crops they are growing. The shift is from pasture to higher-value permanent crops, which often means a switch from surface to groundwater, leading to a decrease in demand for OID water.
These two factors will require the OID to enhance the level of service it provides to keep up with changing customer needs.
Opportunities exist to expand the district's customer base.
Simple system improvements can enhance water supply reliability and reduce regional groundwater pumping.
Significant investment in repairs needs to be made.
The amount of water leaving the OID (either as tailwater from crops or because of operational needs) is significant by any estimate and, to the extent possible, must be managed for the beneficial use of the region.
The cost of the repairs, service improvements and any other projects identified in the study must be paid on a pay-as-you-go plan.
The OID wants to be the best irrigation district it can afford to be. The district cannot finance improvements on the backs of its customers, nor can it rely upon highly variable power revenues from the Tri-Dam Project. The financial component will be carefully evaluated to ensure that needed improvements are implemented in a prudent fiscal manner.
For what we see on the horizon, this is not a time to sit still. Our water must be protected from envious eyes that want our wealth. We value your input on this matter and encourage your participation.
Knell is the general manager of the Oakdale Irrigation District. He can be reached at 847-3468 or through the district Web site, www.oakdaleirrigation.com. #
http://www.modbee.com/opinion/community/story/11063048p-11821023c.html
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