Proposition 218
Meeting Today's Water Challenges to Protect Tomorrow's Farmland
The Consolidated Water District (District) was formed by landowners out of a shared determination to build a path forward in the face of one of agriculture’s most pressing challenges of today, farming under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
The District formed in 2025 but requires funding to develop new projects to bring in surface water supply in a region where it’s currently limited.
By working as a unified district across nearly 77,000 acres, landowners gain the benefit of pooled resources to pursue water supply opportunities and invest in critical infrastructure, shaping a more reliable and resilient water future for the land and those who depend on it. This is the same principle that built the first water districts in the Valley. Growers pooled resources to build something that would last.
Growers of the past met their own unique challenges. Today, operating under limited supplies leaves our area vulnerable to losing a portion of our farming footprint. While drilling a well once secured water supply, pumping limits under SGMA allocations are now a reality of how water is managed. But a successful Prop 218 gives our District the opportunity to build water storage and conveyance, purchase surface water, and increase the water supply in our landowners’ portfolio.
Prop 218 Election Results
On June 12, 2026 the Prop 218 election passed with 70% of votes approving the proposed assessments. The Board of Directors set the rate of $20.86 per acre for the 2026-27 fiscal year at its July meeting. Landowners will see the first collection via county tax rolls in fall 2026.
Prop 218 Election Resources
Approved Rates
The rate will be set annually based on the budgeted amount needed each year to fulfill the needs and goals of the District and may not be assessed at the maximum.
Thank you for attending a public workshop
landowners attended public workshops to learn more about the election and have their questions answered.
Workshop #1
May 6, 2026
8:00 AM-9:00 AM
Workshop #2
May 11, 2026
3:30 PM-4:30 PM
Public Hearing
June 12, 2026
10:00 AM
Benefits of Prop 218 Assessments
Surface Water Purchasing Power
The Prop 218 budget includes a $2 million fund to purchase and capture Kaweah River flood flows, available 3-4 years out of 10.
Build Recharge Basins
Build basins leveraging existing conveyance to store and recharge water, crediting that water back to landowners.
Keep More Land in Production
SGMA allocations are putting pressure on growers who can’t stretch groundwater far enough to keep their full crop footprint going. Bringing surface water in will reduce the amount of fallowing that would otherwise need to occur in the District.
Making the Most of Wet Years
Periodic flood conditions offer valuable opportunities to secure additional water supply if the infrastructure is in place to capture it. With the funding through Prop 218, recharge basins will be developed to take advantage of the wet years to come.
Kaweah River Runoff Conditions, 1996 - 2025 Water Years
Meet Your District Leadership
Joe Cardoza – President
Marty Toomey – Vice President
Eric Correia – Director
Mathew Hutcheson – Director
Craig Bergman – Director
James Silva – Secretary/Manager