For 100 years, El Dorado Irrigation District (EID) has delivered safe, reliable water, wastewater, recycled water, and hydropower services to our community — and technology has been at the heart of that journey.

The tools may have changed, but our mission remains the same: providing dependable services to our customers and community. This month, we celebrate how innovation has shaped our systems — and how it continues to drive us forward.

It All Started with Ingenuity and Grit

In the early days, EID crews relied on wooden flumes, hand-cranked gates, and detailed hand-drawn maps to deliver water across rugged mountain terrain. Progress was powered by hard work, problem solving, and a commitment to serving the community.

Today, technology helps us work smarter — but it all started with the hands-on dedication of those who came before us.

Smarter Systems, Safer Operations

Modern tools help EID provide better, more reliable service every day. Tod our crews use:

• Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping and Global Positioning System (GPS) Tools to locate pipelines, valves, and system assets down to the inch — improving efficiency, safety, and response times.
• Advanced Sensors and Real-Time Data to monitor pressure, flow, and system performance — helping staff respond quickly and prevent leaks or service disruptions.
• SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems that operate around the clock to track pumps, reservoirs, tanks, and water flow — keeping water quality high and ensuring reliable service.

Much of this technology is invisible to customers — but it plays a vital role in the services you depend on every day. 

Innovation in Action: Metering and Monitoring

EID has invested in meter technology to improve accuracy and efficiency. In many areas, Automated Meter Reading (AMR) allows staff to collect water use data without stepping onto your property. In remote communities like Strawberry, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) sends readings directly to EID through secure networks.

These tools save time, reduce operational costs, and help us serve you better.

Clean Energy for the Future

EID also leverages technology to generate clean, renewable hydropower through the El Dorado Hydroelectric Project. Modern improvements in turbines, telemetry, and system controls help increase energy output, reduce environmental impact, and support grid stability — benefiting both the community and the planet.

Building What Comes Next

From hand-dug ditches to high-tech data tools, innovation has powered EID’s progress for a century. As we look to the future, we remain committed to finding new solutions, adopting smarter technologies, and providing excellent service.

Thank you for being part of EID’s story — here’s to the next century of innovation, together.