IID inked a landmark conservation agreement on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to conserve up to 700,000 acre-feet of water for the Colorado River and build 10-12 feet of elevation at Lake Mead — the nation’s largest reservoir and sole water supply for Imperial Valley.
Press release from the Imperial Irrigation District:
Imperial Irrigation District inked a landmark conservation agreement Wednesday with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The agreement will conserve up to 700,000 acre-feet of water for the Colorado River and build 10-12 feet of elevation at Lake Mead — the nation’s largest reservoir and sole water supply for Imperial Valley.
The agreement also unlocks a full federal investment of $250 million in Salton Sea restoration, largely targeting an expansion of the State of California’s nearly 8,000-acre Species Conservation Habitat.
IID General Manager Jamie Asbury joined Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton and representatives from the Bard Water District, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and Arizona’s Gila River Indian Community at a signing ceremony for five Colorado River water conservation agreements.
IID’s 2024-2026 conservation agreement represents the largest federal conservation agreement to date. Combined with a prior 2023 conservation agreement, IID’s total conservation will total up to 800,000 acre-feet.
“The sacrifices made by IID and the Imperial Valley in implementing this agreement set an example for the entire Basin to follow. There is no excuse for inaction anywhere on the river,” shared Jamie Asbury, IID General Manager.
“This agreement is not only a milestone for the Colorado River system but a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Imperial Valley farming community,” she continued. “Our farmers have made significant sacrifices, adopting sustainable farming practices that should serve as a model for water conservation efforts moving forward. Their commitment to safeguarding this vital resource inspires us all.”
Asbury also expressed deep gratitude to the IID Board of Directors, the San Diego County Water Authority, and The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for their longstanding partnership. “Together, we’ve turned collaboration into action, ensuring the long-term health of our water supply,” she said.
Commissioner Touton emphasized the critical nature of the agreements, “These agreements are key to the stability of the Colorado River system, which provides water to millions of people and sustains agriculture throughout the West.”
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About IID and Imperial Valley Agriculture:
- Since 2003, IID has conserved over 7.7 million acre-feet of water, including 1.5 million acre-feet through its On-Farm Efficiency Conservation Program since 2013.
- In 2023 alone, IID generated over 500,000 acre-feet of water savings, with 215,382 acre-feet contributed by Imperial Valley farmers utilizing sustainable practices.
- The Imperial Valley continues to lead in water conservation efforts through advanced irrigation technologies, including sprinklers, drip systems, precision land leveling, and tailwater return systems.
- Agriculture is the backbone of Imperial Valley’s economy, with one in six jobs tied to the sector, making the region one of California’s top agricultural producers.
The IID remains committed to balancing water conservation with the economic vitality of the region, and today’s historic agreement marks a major milestone in ensuring the sustainable use of the Colorado River for generations to come.
