Partnering Districts

Yuba Water has a long history of sustainably managing the county’s water resources for beneficial use in cooperation with local, state and federal stakeholders. Each year, Yuba Water Agency supplies approximately 260,000 acre-feet of water to eight local water districts, known as member units, which convey water supplies to Yuba County farmers and ranchers who produce and raise food supplies and commodities, including peaches, plums, rice, walnuts, dairy and livestock. 

Yuba Water also manages the balance of water supply allocations and supply reductions among the member units in dry years. Learn more about our member units below.

Brophy Water District
Brophy Water District began receiving Yuba River water for irrigation in 1983 under Yuba Water’s water rights through a joint arrangement with South Yuba Water District. Since 1985, all water delivered to Brophy has been by contract with Yuba Water and provided through the South Canal. BWD’s service area covers approximately 17,200 acres south of the Yuba River between Olivehurst and Linda on the west and Beale Air Force Base on the east. BWD’s service area includes approximately 12,700 acres of land used for pasture and to grow crops including rice and prunes.

Browns Valley Irrigation District
The Browns Valley Irrigation District was formed in 1888 and is one of California's longest continually operating irrigation districts. BVID’s service area covers more than 55,000 acres in the Sierra foothills and Sacramento Valley, with approximately 7,100 acres in the Yuba Water service area. The district also diverts water from Dry Creek at Collins Lake, which BVID built in 1963. BVID serves more than 1,500 agricultural and domestic irrigation customers in the Browns Valley and Loma Rica areas of Yuba County.

Cordua Irrigation District
Cordua Irrigation District first began diverting water from the Yuba River in the late 1890s.  Diversions are made at Daguerre Point Dam into the Cordua-Hallwood Canal (NY32). Cordua serves approximately 11,500 acres north of the Yuba River, with approximately 9,100 productive acres and approximately 100 delivery locations. Rice is the primary crop in this district.

Dry Creek Mutual Water Company
Dry Creek Mutual Water Company began receiving Yuba River water for irrigation in 1998 under agreement with Yuba Water. Water is provided to Dry Creek Mutual by Yuba Water through the South Canal. The district’s service area covers approximately 4,600 acres north of the Bear River and west of Highway 65, of which approximately 4,200 acres are used for pasture and to grow walnuts and rice.

Hallwood Irrigation Company
Hallwood began diverting water for irrigation from the Yuba River in 1909. Hallwood’s service area covers approximately 12,000 acres south of Cordua Irrigation District, west of BVID and immediately north of the Yuba River, of which approximately 9,400 acres are used for pasture and to grow rice, walnuts and prunes.

Ramirez Water District
The Ramirez Water District began diverting water for irrigation from the Yuba River in 1978. Their service area covers approximately 5,900 acres north of Cordua Irrigation District and west of BVID, which includes approximately 4,500 acres of productive farmland and pasture.

South Yuba Water District
The South Yuba Water District began receiving Yuba River water for irrigation in 1983 under a joint agreement with Brophy Water District. Their service area covers approximately 10,000 acres north of the Bear River and east of Highway 70, which includes approximately 7,500 acres of rice crops and pasture.

Wheatland Water District
Wheatland Water District began receiving Yuba River water for irrigation in 2009 under agreement with Yuba Water. Their service area covers approximately 11,300 acres north of the Bear River and east of Highway 65, of which approximately 7,400 acres are used to for pasture and to grow rice, prunes and walnuts.

Together, these districts supply approximately 60,000 acres of productive farmland with water, enabling farmers to raise rice, peaches, plums and other crops. Crops and livestock are an important source of jobs and income for many Yuba County workers and families.

Water Supply Agreements

Yuba Water supplies each member unit water for irrigation each year. The latest agreements were signed in 2017 and ensure our member units have a reliable, long-term water supply.