Ahead of its time

Founded in 1887, the Turlock Irrigation District was the first irrigation district established in California. The goal was to bring a reliable water supply to the land between the Tuolumne, Merced and San Joaquin rivers. The district later joined forces with the Modesto Irrigation District and built the original Don Pedro Dam on the Tuolumne River in 1923. However, it only held enough water for a single growing season, and officials for both irrigation districts realized a larger reservoir was needed to ensure an adequate water supply during multi-year dry periods.

Meeting Modern Needs

Construction on the New Don Pedro Project began in 1967. Built primarily for water storage and irrigation to serve the region’s agricultural needs, it also provides flood control and recreational opportunities while generating hydroelectric power. Don Pedro now holds more than 2 million acre-feet of water and the hydroelectric plant generates 203 megawatts of carbon-free energy.

Looking Towards Tomorrow

The Don Pedro Project was originally licensed for a period of 50 years. The Turlock and Modesto Irrigation Districts began the relicensing process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in 2011. While the original license expired in 2016, it has been extended in one-year increments as FERC, the irrigation districts and other stakeholders work toward a long-term plan to ensure central California continues to thrive for the next 50 years.

A Dream for the Future

Founded in 1887, the Turlock Irrigation District was the very first irrigation district established in California. The goal was to bring a reliable water supply to the land between the Tuolumne, Merced and San Joaquin Rivers. The district later joined forces with the Modesto Irrigation District and built the original Don Pedro Dam on the Tuolumne River in 1923. However, it only held enough water for a single growing season, and officials for both irrigation districts realized a larger reservoir was needed to ensure an adequate water supply during multi-year dry periods.

Meeting Modern Needs

Construction on the New Don Pedro Dam began in 1967. Built primarily for water storage and irrigation, it also provides flood control and recreational opportunities while generating hydroelectric power. Don Pedro Reservoir can now hold more than 2 million acre-feet of water and the hydroelectric plant generates 203 megawatts of carbon-free energy.

Looking Towards Tomorrow

The Don Pedro Project was originally licensed for a period of 50 years. The Turlock and Modesto Irrigation Districts began the relicensing process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in 2011. While the original license expired in 2016, it has been extended in one-year increments as FERC, the irrigation districts and other stakeholders work toward a long-term plan that will benefit all parties for the next 50 years.