The South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) is a public agency established in 1909 to provide a reliable water supply to agricultural lands in southern San Joaquin County. Headquartered in Manteca, the district serves approximately 72,000 acres of farmland surrounding the cities of Escalon, Manteca, and Ripon. SSJID is a senior water rights holder on the Stanislaus River and operates as a not-for-profit entity governed by a five-member Board of Directors.
Water Infrastructure and Tri-Dam Project
SSJID's water supply is managed through a long-standing partnership with the Oakdale Irrigation District known as the Tri-Dam Project. This system includes the Donnells, Beardsley, and Tulloch reservoirs, which provide water storage, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation. The district operates a vast distribution network consisting of hundreds of miles of canals and pipelines. A major point of pride is the Nick C. DeGroot Water Treatment Plant, which provides high-quality treated surface water to the cities of Manteca, Lathrop, Tracy, and Escalon.
Retail Electric Service Initiatives
For several decades, SSJID has been actively pursuing the right to provide retail electric service to its constituents, seeking to replace the current provider, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). The district's goal is to offer significantly lower utility rates— historically targeting a 15% reduction—by utilizing its own hydroelectric power and local control. As of 2026, this remains a primary strategic focus, involving ongoing legal and regulatory proceedings through the San Joaquin Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) and the California court system.
Groundwater Sustainability and Conservation
SSJID is a foundational member of the Eastern San Joaquin Groundwater Authority and the South San Joaquin Groundwater Sustainability Agency. The district plays a vital role in meeting Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) requirements by promoting "in-lieu recharge." By delivering surface water to farmers who would otherwise rely on wells, SSJID helps stabilize the Eastern San Joaquin Subbasin. The district has also pioneered pressurized water delivery systems, such as the Division 9 project, which allows farmers to use highly efficient drip and micro-irrigation technology.
2026 Operations and Season Outlook
Entering the 2026 irrigation season, SSJID continues to manage robust water allocations following favorable winter precipitation. The district remains focused on infrastructure modernization, including the automated gate systems that improve delivery precision and reduce water waste. Current 2026 initiatives also include the continued expansion of the regional surface water supply project to meet the growing domestic needs of the South County cities while maintaining the historical commitment to the local agricultural economy.