Modesto Irrigation District
A publicly owned water and electric utility serving communities in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties.
Four Agencies.
One Shared Mission.
The San Joaquin Tributaries Authority represents four water agencies working collaboratively to ensure reliable water and power supplies for the Bay Area and Central Valley. Together, they serve 3.2 million people and 260,000 productive farming acres, supporting a $1 trillion collective economy.
Meet Our Members
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
The agency responsible for the Hetch Hetchy Regional Water System, which delivers water to 2.7 million Bay Area residents.
South San Joaquin Irrigation District
An agricultural and municipal water supplier serving communities in San Joaquin County.
Turlock Irrigation District
California’s oldest irrigation district, providing water and power to communities in Stanislaus County and portions of Merced County and Tuolumne County.
Why SJTA Matters
SJTA member agencies hold historic water rights that have supported dependable water supplies for more than a century. These critical water rights have recently come under threat, undermining the ability of the agencies to ensure reliable water supplies for their customers.
SJTA is working to ensure policymakers understand why maintaining the current water rights system is so critical, and why science-based, local decision-making results in the best possible outcome for both communities and environments. SJTA gives four agencies one shared voice in advancing shared objectives.
Our Priorities
Water reliability
Ensuring reliable supplies through drought and changing environmental conditions.
Affordability
Delivering high-quality, cost-effective water and power service.
Water rights protection
Upholding the historic water rights that are essential for reliable supplies in the Bay Area and Central Valley.
Science-based stewardship
Managing watersheds using sound science and local expertise instead of a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach.
Multi-benefit projects
Investing in local efforts like Healthy Rivers and Landscapes that balance habitat health with water reliability.
How You Can Support SJTA
SJTA welcomes the opportunity to brief your office on regional water issues and share the proven science behind our members’ work.
Resources
FAQ
What is SJTA?
SJTA is a Joint Powers Authority formed in 2012 representing four public water and power agencies: MID, TID, SSJID, and SFPUC. Together through SJTA, the member agencies are working to advance local, science-based water management across the Bay Area and Central Valley.
Does SJTA own or operate water infrastructure?
No. SJTA’s member agencies own and operate their own water and power systems. SJTA coordinates policy, communications, and advocacy on their behalf.
What is Healthy Rivers and Landscapes, and does SJTA support it?
Healthy Rivers and Landscapes (HRL) is a locally developed, science-based approach that balances habitat restoration with water reliability. It is one example of the multi-benefit projects SJTA supports, though not all member agencies currently participate in HRL.
Why do SJTA members’ water rights matter?
SJTA members hold senior, pre-1914 water rights that have long provided some of the state’s most dependable water supplies. Protecting these rights is central to supporting over 3.2 million people and 260,000 acres of farmland across the Bay Area and Central Valley.
What can policymakers do to help?
Supporting the current water rights system and local water management approaches like Healthy Rivers and Landscapes is critical to SJTA members. Our members have also identified over $1.5 billion in funding needed to support critical aging infrastructure. Investing in our infrastructure today protects reliable water and utility costs for generations to come.
How can my office request a briefing?
Use the button above or email alee@sjtribs.org for information tailored to your district.
Organizational Overview
The San Joaquin Tributaries Authority was established in 2012 as a Joint Powers Authority. Today, we are governed by four appointed commissioners—one from each member agency: Modesto Irrigation District, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, South San Joaquin Irrigation District, and Turlock Irrigation District.
Together, we are working to build collaboration, understanding, and sustainable stewardship for the tributaries of the San Joaquin River.