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-Editorial
In a recent update on the status of water accounts for agricultural users, the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) has outlined measures aimed at managing unused water apportionments and facilitating transfers through its clearinghouse at their July 16 meeting. According to the latest reports, many farmers still hold portions of their allotted water for 2024, despite ongoing efforts to utilize these resources effectively.
Under Section 4.3 of the Equitable Distribution Plan (EDP), IID stipulates that farmers are liable for payments on any accepted apportionments that remain unused by year’s end. However, Sections 6.5, 8.1, and 6.6 of the EDP provide avenues for relief from these obligations. Specifically, Section 6.5 allows farmers to transfer unused apportionments through the clearinghouse, thereby absolving them of payment responsibilities. Moreover, Section 8.1 grants IID the discretion to declare relief periods during which up to 7% of a user’s apportionment can be transferred without payment obligations, regardless of whether the water is ultimately transferred to another user. Section 6.6 allows IID to utilize leftover water in the clearinghouse to meet district and user needs.
Historically, IID has implemented end-of-year relief periods to assist farmers in managing their water accounts effectively. These relief periods, previously enacted in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2023, have proven crucial in aligning water usage with agricultural needs and regulatory requirements.
To further streamline the process, IID has announced six upcoming relief periods throughout the latter half of 2024.
IID has scheduled several relief periods to aid agricultural water users in managing their accounts for the remainder of 2024: July 16 – July 31, August 15 – August 30, September 15 – September 30, October 16 – October 31, November 15 – November 30, and December 16 – December 31. These periods allow farmers to transfer up to 7% of their accepted apportionment into the clearinghouse, relieving them of take-or-pay payment obligations and facilitating water transfers among users.
During each relief period, farmers can transfer up to 7% of their accepted apportionment into the clearinghouse, exempting them from take-or-pay payment obligations. This initiative aims to enhance flexibility and certainty for farmers as they manage their water accounts leading up to the end of 2024.
IID staff will notify water users by the end of September regarding their current water account status, on-farm efficiency conservation program (OFECP) yield estimates, and the detailed procedures and deadlines associated with the relief periods. Farmers participating in the OFECP will receive specific guidance to ensure compliance with conservation targets and balance their water accounts accordingly.
For more information and to participate in the relief periods, farmers are encouraged to utilize the modified Clearinghouse Transfer Form, which will assist IID staff in calculating necessary volumes for clearinghouse transactions.
These measures underscore IID’s commitment to sustainable water management practices while supporting the agricultural community in Imperial Valley, the report said. By leveraging these relief periods and clearinghouse mechanisms, farmers can navigate regulatory requirements and operational challenges effectively, ensuring optimal use of water resources throughout the remainder of 2024.
