Proposition 218
Meeting Today's Water Challenges to Protect Tomorrow's Farmland
The Consolidated Water District (District) was formed by landowners out of a shared determination to build a path forward in the face of one of agriculture’s most pressing challenges of today, farming under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
The District formed in 2025 but requires funding to develop new projects to bring in surface water supply in a region where it’s currently limited. Through a Proposition 218 election, the District is proposing a land-based assessment.​
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By working as a unified district across nearly 77,000 acres, landowners gain the benefit of pooled resources to pursue water supply opportunities and invest in critical infrastructure, shaping a more reliable and resilient water future for the land and those who depend on it. This is the same principle that built the first water districts in the Valley. Growers pooled resources to build something that would last.
Growers of the past met their own unique challenges. Today, operating under limited supplies leaves our area vulnerable to losing a portion of our farming footprint. While drilling a well once secured water supply, pumping limits under SGMA allocations are now a reality of how water is managed. But a successful Prop 218 gives our District the opportunity to build water storage and conveyance, purchase surface water, and increase the water supply in our landowners’ portfolio.
Key Dates & Workshops
Landowners are encouraged to attend informational workshops to learn more about the Proposition 218 directly from District staff and have questions answered in person. At the public hearing, landowners can also attend to provide comments and submit ballots. The workshop and public hearing will take place at the International Agri-Center located at 4500 S Laspina St., Tulare, CA 93274.
Workshop #1
May 6, 2026
8:00 AM-9:00 AM
Workshop #2
May 11, 2026
3:30 PM-4:30 PM
Public Hearing
May 28, 2026
10:00 AM
​Benefits of a Successful
Prop 218 Election
Surface Water Purchasing Power
The Prop 218 budget includes a $2 million fund to purchase and capture Kaweah River flood flows, available 3-4 years out of 10.
Build Recharge Basins
Build basins leveraging existing conveyance to store and recharge water, crediting that water back to landowners.
Keep More Land in Production
SGMA allocations are putting pressure on growers who can’t stretch groundwater far enough to keep their full crop footprint going. Bringing surface water in will reduce the amount of fallowing that would otherwise need to occur in the District.
Proposed Rates
Through the election, the District is proposing a $48.00 per acre maximum assessment. But, it is important to note that the rate will be set annually based on the budgeted amount needed each year to fulfill the needs and goals of the District and may not be assessed at the maximum.
If the election passes, the Board of Directors will set the rate for the 2026-27 fiscal year at its May or June meeting. Landowners would see the first collection via county tax rolls in fall 2026.
Making the Most of Wet Years
Periodic flood conditions offer valuable opportunities to secure additional water supply if the infrastructure is in place to capture it. With the funding through Prop 218, recharge basins will be developed to take advantage of the wet years to come.
Kaweah River Runoff Conditions, 1996 - 2025 Water Years
How to Vote in the Prop 218
Landowners will have received a notice and ballot in the mail in April. To vote, complete your Prop 218 ballot and submit in one of three ways:
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Mail your ballot in the postage paid envelope provided in the ballot packet.
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Drop off your ballot at the secured ballot box between 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Consolidated Water District office location 15370 Ave 256 Visalia, CA 93292.
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Bring your ballot to the Public Hearing on May 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM.
I lost my ballot or want to change my vote. What do I do?
If you lost your ballot, need to request ballot corrections, or would like to change your vote, contact MK Elections at (209) 259-6740 or cesar@mkelections.com to receive a new ballot.
Meet Your District Leadership
Joe Cardoza – President
Marty Toomey – Vice President
Eric Correia – Director
Mathew Hutcheson – Director
Craig Bergman – Director
James Silva – Secretary/Manager