This Is Your Water.
San Juan Water District’s recent actions may risk the very water supplies that it was created to protect for our community.
This region has blossomed into what it is today, thanks to the American River. It starts in the heart of the Sierra Nevada just west of Lake Tahoe in a picturesque national forest. The River has three forks that all end up at Folsom Dam. The North Fork played a significant role in this region’s development. Today, people enjoy hiking by the North Fork and its cool pools - though much of the River is so wild that only the most expert rafters can tackle it.
Early on, the American River quenched the mining operations’ thirst for water. Later, farming and communities took root in and around Citrus Heights and used water to grow everything from apricots to zinnias. In 1920, voters formed Citrus Heights Irrigation District (now Citrus Heights Water District) to help manage water supply for this growing area.
In the early 1950s, people were eager to set the region up for success because the new federal Folsom Dam would help ease flooding impacts and allow for more reliable water delivery.
In 1951, the Directors of Citrus Heights Irrigation District, Fair Oaks Water District (FOWD), and Orange Vale Water Company formed the San Juan Water Districts Association, to help form the San Juan Water District (SJWD).
In 1954, local citizens, including those in the Citrus Heights area, voted to establish the San Juan Water District as a public community services district. Taxpayers bonded, or took out a loan, so that SJWD could buy the water rights and other facilities of the North Fork Ditch Company for the benefit of the people within SJWD’s boundaries. SJWD was formed so people could hold the water rights instead of a private company.
However, San Juan Water District’s recent actions may risk the very water supplies that it was created to protect for our community.
North Fork American River water
From SJWD, least expensive, most reliable
Central Valley Project water
From SJWD, inexpensive but not often used
Placer County Water Agency water
From SJWD, regularly available and used
Groundwater
Pumped on our own, significant local control
The American River is a very reliable and affordable source even during drought. Yet, the State is making conservation a California way of life with a new regulation that curbs water use.
In addition to giving customers tools to reduce water use, CHWD has invested in groundwater wells and technology to inject water in the ground during wet years so the District can save it to serve in dry years.
Rebecca Scott, the District’s Operations Director is working with her team, the State and Feds to help bring these two new wells (and the grant funds that support them) to our community. This creates more options when we face dry weather or regulations.
“Reliable water benefits customers today and into the future,” she said.
People can use less but water is still critical and comforting. It’s showers, coffee -- it’s life.
Recent San Juan Water District Actions
Merger With Sacramento Suburban Water District
San Juan Water District paid to study a potential merger with Sacramento Suburban Water District in 2015 and again 2018-2021. The merger didn’t move forward. The districts are dedicating time and money to study it again.
Earlier this year, Sacramento Suburban explored merging with Carmichael Water District. That merger did not proceed. San Juan and Sacramento Suburban are in the process of meeting to determine if their merger could work.
A merger could affect cost and control of our water supply. CHWD will closely monitor the merger discussions to protect our customers.
If you want to learn more or share your view, the districts have upcoming meetings that you can participate in.
Dive Deeper
Citrus Heights Water District is working to protect our water rights and local control.
Read more at CHWD's "This Is Your Water" and sign up for updates on this issue.
Water Built Us
Two tales of water tying today and yesterday.
Little Bits Microgreens uses water to help grow its produce. While other businesses took root, farming was key to the area’s growth and demand for reliable and affordable water.
Harris Welding is the oldest business in Citrus Heights. It was founded because of the need for water in this region. The same family owns the business today - and values its water supply.
Important Links
