California officials: Stop pumping water
In this May 18, photo, Gino Celli, who relies on senior water rights to water his crops, inspects a wheat field nearing harvest on his farm near Stockton, Calif.
In this May 18 photo, Gino Celli, who relies on senior water rights to water his crops, checks the moisture of land just planted with corn seed he farms near Stockton, Calif.
FRESNO, Calif. – California issued its first cease-and-desist order Thursday telling an irrigation district to stop pumping water under this year’s tightened drought regulations.
The state water board said inspectors in May observed the West Side Irrigation District in Tracy pumping water. Officials say the district had received a notice earlier in the month saying it didn’t have the right to use the water.
The state order came days after a judge ruled that California could advise water rights holders to curtail use and later issue fines if limits were exceeded.
West Side’s attorney Steven Herum said the order was prompted after a judge sided with the district by saying the state had violated users’ constitutional rights to due process by not allowing hearings on the cuts.
“It is clear that the cease-and-desist order is retaliatory,” Herum said. “It’s intended to punish the district.”
Herum said the district has complied with the state order to stop pumping. He said it was pumping recycled irrigation water and had not drawn fresh supplies from a branch of the San Joaquin River.
West Side can appeal to the state water board. If it is found to be in violation, the district could face fines of $10,000 a day.
In addition to fines, West Side’s case could be referred to the state attorney general for further action, officials said.
The water board has sent curtailment notices to 4,600 farmers and other water users.
Farmers were told to stop irrigating fields as the state struggles through its fourth year of the drought.
Inspectors for the state water board have done 250 inspections since curtailment notices went out in May. The West Side district is the first one accused of a violation.