Formed in 1911, the Imperial Irrigation District has a rich water legacy. With more than 3,000 miles of canals and drains, and a district boundary of approximately 1 million acres, IID is the largest irrigation district in the nation. As a public agency, IID provides the highest level of service at the most cost-effective price while preserving the unique ecosystem associated with this working landscape in a balanced manner. The IID Water Department is responsible for the timely operation and maintenance of this extensive, gravity flow, open-channel system and effectively delivers its annual entitlement of 3.1 million acre-feet, less water transfer obligations and operational needs, to over half million acres for agricultural, municipal and industrial use. Of the water IID delivers to the Imperial Valley, approximately 97 percent is used for agricultural purposes, making possible Imperial County’s ranking as one of the top 10 agricultural regions nationwide. The remaining 3 percent of the District’s water deliveries supply seven municipalities, one private water company, three special district/service area water systems, a federal prison, a state prison, a U.S. Navy base, as well as a variety of industrial uses, rural homes, and businesses.

As the Imperial Valley continues to grow and as its economy diversifies, so too will the function and role of the IID Water Department. Through the implementation of extraordinary conservation projects, the development of innovative efficiency measures, and the utilization of progressive management tools, the IID Water Department is working to ensure both the long-term viability of agriculture, new non-agricultural, diversified development and the continued protection of natural resources within its service area. IID’s Colorado River water entitlement is unparalleled, and as trustee of these water rights (of which $2.6 million acre-feet are present perfected rights), IID will continue to responsibly manage this water supply and its related resources for many generations to come.