Tina Anderholt Shields

🌾 Imperial County Farm Bureau Honors IID Water Managers At the Imperial County Farm Bureau’s 2025 Annual Dinner: A Celebration of Agriculture, IID Water Department Manager Tina Shields and Water Operations Manager Mike Pacheco were recognized with the Betty Young Memorial Friend of the Farmers Award. This annual award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional support for the local agricultural community. Shields and Pacheco were recognized for their ongoing collaboration with farmers and water users across the Imperial Valley, ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of the region’s water delivery system. Their leadership reflects IID’s deep commitment to working hand-in-hand with growers to protect our shared water resources and strengthen the Valley’s agricultural future.

NEWS RELEASE 9/26/2024: IID's Colorado River Agreement to Raise Lake Mead by 10+ Feet Imperial Irrigation District inked a landmark conservation agreement Wednesday with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The agreement will conserve up to 700,000 acre-feet of water for the Colorado River and build 10-12 feet of elevation at Lake Mead — the nation’s largest reservoir and sole water supply for Imperial Valley. The agreement also unlocks a full federal investment of $250 million in Salton Sea restoration, largely targeting an expansion of the State of California’s nearly 8,000-acre Species Conservation Habitat. IID General Manager Jamie Asbury joined Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton and representatives from the Bard Water District, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and Arizona's Gila River Indian Community at a signing ceremony for five Colorado River water conservation agreements. IID’s 2024-2026 conservation agreement represents the largest federal conservation agreement to date. Combined with a prior 2023 conservation agreement, IID’s total conservation will total up to 800,000 acre-feet. “The sacrifices made by IID and the Imperial Valley in implementing this agreement set an example for the entire Basin to follow. There is no excuse for inaction anywhere on the river,” shared Jamie Asbury, IID General Manager. “This agreement is not only a milestone for the Colorado River system but a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Imperial Valley farming community,” she continued. “Our farmers have made significant sacrifices, adopting sustainable farming practices that should serve as a model for water conservation efforts moving forward. Their commitment to safeguarding this vital resource inspires us all.” Asbury also expressed deep gratitude to the IID Board of Directors, the San Diego County Water Authority, and The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for their longstanding partnership. “Together, we’ve turned collaboration into action, ensuring the long-term health of our water supply,” she said. Commissioner Touton emphasized the critical nature of the agreements, “These agreements are key to the stability of the Colorado River system, which provides water to millions of people and sustains agriculture throughout the West.”

Happy National Ag Day! IID is proud to celebrate and support agriculture in our community. We have been delivering reliable and affordable water for over 100 years. Today, we're excited to share our new video "What's Growing On Imperial Valley? Episode 1: Jalapenos."