The Modesto Irrigation District (MID) is a multi-purpose public utility located in California's Central Valley. Established in 1887, it was the second irrigation district formed in California. Today, it operates as a vertically integrated utility providing electric power, irrigation water, and treated municipal drinking water. MID is governed by a locally elected five-member Board of Directors and operates on a not-for-profit basis.
Water Operations and Infrastructure
MID manages a complex system of water infrastructure, primarily sourced from the Tuolumne River. Key facilities include the New Don Pedro Reservoir, which provides water storage, flood control, and hydroelectric power, and the La Grange Diversion Dam. The district delivers irrigation water to approximately 66,000 acres of farmland through a network of canals. Additionally, since 1994, MID has operated the Modesto Regional Water Treatment Plant, which treats surface water to provide a reliable drinking water source for the City of Modesto.
Electric Utility Services
In addition to water management, MID is a major electric service provider. Its service territory covers the greater Modesto area, including Waterford, Salida, and parts of Ripon, Escalon, and Oakdale. The district's energy portfolio is diverse, utilizing hydropower from the Don Pedro Powerhouse, peaking power from the McClure and Ripon generation stations, and various other renewable and natural gas resources. As of 2026, the district continues to invest in grid modernization, including wood pole inspection programs and updated fee structures for telecommunications attachments.
Groundwater Management and SGMA
As a central member of the Stanislaus and Tuolumne Groundwater Basin Association (STGBA), MID plays a critical role in complying with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). A cornerstone of their strategy is the Long-Term Groundwater Replenishment Program. This program encourages water users who rely solely on groundwater to switch to surface water during "wet" years when allocations are uncapped. This "in-lieu recharge" strategy helps stabilize the Modesto Subbasin's water table and ensures long-term reliability for both agricultural and municipal users.
2026 Priorities and Current Projects
In early 2026, MID has focused on several significant administrative and infrastructure milestones. The district officially launched its 2026 irrigation season on March 11, with the Board of Directors finalizing water allocations to match strong reservoir storage levels (recorded at 77% capacity at Don Pedro in late 2025). Other active projects include the development of a $7.1 million visitor center and trading post, the ongoing federal relicensing of the Don Pedro Project, and the public review of the 2025 Agricultural Water Management Plan.