The robust Sierra snowpack may not break the back of the current drought but it will help finance water delivery improvements to maximize water efficiency.

That’s because the Central Sierra snowpack — that is now at 229 percent of average as of Jan. 12 — will assure the Tri-Dam Project will be able to generate more hydro-electricity than previously anticipated when South San Joaquin Irrigation District adopted its budget in December.

SSJID had assumed the worst case scenario for hydro generation which meant less revenues.

The SSJID is a 50-50 partner with Oakdale Irrigation District in the Tri-Dam Project developed in the 1950. It includes hydro generating plants at several locations on the Stanislaus River including Donnells and Beardsley reservoirs.

Historically, the system generates upwards of $15 million in electricity sales when there is an abundant supply of snowmelt to keep filling the reservoirs as spring turns into summer.

After covering expenses, the net revenue each year is split been the two districts.

SSJID is earmarking its Tri-Dam proceeds to help pay for an ambitious and costly endeavor to maximize water delivery efficiency for its irrigation customers.

It involves everything from lining pipelines, canal work, and reservoir expansion within the district.

That will allow the district to get to the point where growers can apply water in a more effective manner than what is currently allowed with having irrigation runs every 10 days.

And while it might save some water, the end result means growers should be able to get more yields from almond trees and other crops.

That would mean more food production using roughly the same amount of water.

SSJID  General Manager Peter Reitkerk noted improved water efficiency essentially stretches the available water supply.

The district also will need to look at its first rate increase for irrigation deliveries in a number of years to help fund the endeavor.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com