Imperial Irrigation District Approves Landmark Water Conservation Agreement to Protect Lake Mead

The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Board of Directors has approved a significant conservation agreement with the U.S. federal government, aimed at safeguarding the Colorado River Basin amid a deepening drought. The agreement, known as the System Conservation Implementation Agreement (SCIA), commits IID to conserve up to 700,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Mead through 2026. This bold initiative underscores IID’s leadership in water conservation, particularly in the drought-stricken Western United States.

A Pioneering Agreement for Water Conservation

The SCIA, approved by IID’s board, is a pivotal step in addressing the ongoing water crisis affecting the Colorado River. By leaving a substantial amount of water in Lake Mead, this agreement not only aids in stabilizing water levels but also unlocks nearly $250 million in federal funding dedicated to the restoration of the Salton Sea. This funding is crucial for accelerating the development of dust suppression and aquatic habitat projects in the region.

Under the SCIA, IID will enhance its existing On-Farm Efficiency Conservation Program (OFECP) and introduce a new Deficit Irrigation Program (DIP). The OFECP incentivizes farmers to adopt field-level conservation practices, while the DIP provides financial support for the short-term idling of crops such as Alfalfa, Bermuda grass, and Klein grass. These efforts are expected to generate up to 300,000 acre-feet of conserved water annually, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Colorado River system.

Leadership and Collaboration

Gina Dockstader, IID Director and President of the Salton Sea Authority, highlighted the collaborative nature of this agreement. “The decisive action taken by our Board today demonstrates how the District and our water users work together to make meaningful contributions to the Colorado River and the Salton Sea,” Dockstader stated. “We value the collaborative relationship with the Bureau of Reclamation that has allowed us to craft an agreement we can all support and make a difference.”

JB Hamby, IID Vice Chairman and California’s Colorado River Commissioner, also emphasized the significance of IID’s efforts. “IID’s efforts provide an example for other states and regions to follow as we plan for a drier future in the Colorado River basin,” Hamby said. “IID has cleared enormous hurdles to make this deal happen — there is no excuse for inaction anywhere along the river.”

A Broader Effort to Combat Drought

The SCIA is part of a larger strategy endorsed by the seven Colorado River Basin States and supported by the U.S. Congress. In 2022, Congress authorized the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocated $4 billion to the Bureau of Reclamation for drought mitigation in the Western U.S., with a particular focus on the Colorado River Basin.

IID’s agreement is the largest SCIA in the Colorado River Basin, and when combined with its 2023 SCIA, the district will generate over 800,000 acre-feet of conserved water. This contribution represents more than half of California’s commitment to conserving up to 1.6 million acre-feet of water, as part of the Lower Basin Plan authorized by the Bureau of Reclamation in 2024.

Support for Imperial Valley Agriculture

This agreement not only addresses the immediate water conservation needs but also supports the agricultural backbone of the Imperial Valley. The SCIA will fund the development of substantial water conservation volumes over the next three years. When combined with IID’s existing 2003 Quantification Settlement Agreement, these efforts will result in up to 750,000 acre-feet of water conservation annually, accounting for approximately 24 percent of IID’s annual Colorado River entitlement.

Since 2003, IID has conserved over 7.7 million acre-feet of water, with over 1.5 million acre-feet generated through the On-Farm Efficiency Conservation Program since 2013. Last year alone, IID conserved 106,111 acre-feet of water under a 2023 SCIA, with Imperial Valley farmers playing a crucial role in these efforts by adopting advanced irrigation technologies and sustainable farming practices.

Looking Ahead

The Imperial Valley remains one of California’s and the Colorado River Basin’s top agricultural producers, with agriculture being the backbone of the local economy. The approval of this landmark conservation agreement marks a significant step toward ensuring the long-term viability of both the Colorado River system and the agricultural industry that depends on it. IID’s commitment to water conservation not only benefits the region but also sets a precedent for other states and regions facing similar challenges.

As the Western United States continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, IID’s actions serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, innovation, and leadership in securing a sustainable water future.