A Century of Watering the Land That Feeds Us:
Celebrating 100 Years of Partnership with Local Growers and Ranchers

Since 1925, El Dorado Irrigation District has supported the agricultural heart of our region by providing reliable water to farms, vineyards, orchards, and ranches. As we celebrate our centennial, we reflect on the deep roots of this relationship—how it began with raw water delivered through ditches and flumes, and how it evolved into a modern system of treated water supporting agriculture across our service area.

From Flumes to Faucets: The Agricultural Origins of EID

EID was founded to meet the water needs of a growing agricultural community. In its earliest decades, the District delivered raw water through gravity-fed ditches and wooden flumes—essential infrastructure that enabled fruit orchards, ranches, and row crops to take hold in the foothills. These early systems, often built by hand and maintained with great effort, were the lifeblood of local agriculture.

In the latter half of the 20th century, EID made significant investments in water treatment and distribution. As the region grew, and with increasing public health and reliability standards, EID expanded its treated water system. Many agricultural customers who had long depended on seasonal or raw water gradually transitioned to receiving treated water through the same modern infrastructure that now serves homes and businesses.

Supporting Agriculture Today

Today, EID delivers treated water to a diverse range of agricultural customers, including:

• Family farms and generational orchards
• Vineyards and wineries
• Small farms growing seasonal produce and flowers

These operations are vital to the region’s economy, tourism industry, and cultural identity. Many participate in agri-tourism, host seasonal events, and contribute to local farmers’ markets and food systems. EID’s reliable treated water service helps keep these businesses viable—especially during drought years and wildfire recovery periods when consistency is key.

Watering the Future

EID remains committed to supporting agriculture as a core part of our community. We continue to:

• Invest in infrastructure that improves service reliability
• Engage with agricultural customers on conservation practices
• Monitor and plan for the long-term impacts of climate change on water supply

A Shared Legacy

Agriculture has shaped El Dorado County’s landscapes, economy, and spirit. For 100 years, EID has proudly delivered the water that supports this essential work. As we look ahead to the next century, we reaffirm our commitment to the stewards of the land—those whose care and cultivation continue to feed our community and preserve its character.