NID delivers water for life.  For  more than 100 years, the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) has been delivering high quality water to its customers.  What began as an old reservoir and canal system serving gold mines has been transformed into a modern public water system.

NID water originates as snowmelt found in 70,000 acres of high elevation watershed near the headwaters of the Yuba River, Bear River and Deer Creek. Our dedicated employees manage water around the clock, moving supplies to one of our 29 reservoirs, and later releasing water destined for drinking to one of six water treatment plants for filtration and purification. All of the water passes through hundreds of miles of canal and pipe to become drinking or irrigation water for 25,000 homes, farms and businesses. The annual result is three billion gallons of high quality drinking water and enough irrigation water for 30,000 acres of agricultural land. 

NID delivers water for power.  NID is a leader among Northern California water agencies in the production of clean, renewable hydropower. Our dedicated hydroelectric team operates seven hydroelectric plants and 9 miles of overhead powerlines that deliver 82 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to the power-grid, enough electricity to power 60,000 homes. Every year revenue from hydropower sales offsets water rates.

NID delivers water for recreation.  NID manages 8 reservoirs in the foothills and Sierra Nevada Mountains that offer recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, boating, fishing and swimming. At Rollins and Scotts Flat reservoirs, NID provides public parks, trails, campgrounds and beaches for the community’s enjoyment. Higher up in the mountains, NID maintains and operates campgrounds in the Jackson Meadows and Bowman Lake areas.

NID delivers water for the environment. As stewards of thousands of acres of watershed NID is dedicated to healthy forests and fire safety. We work with partners to implement forest thinning, restore mountain meadows, and improve fish habitat. These efforts result in increased water yield, better water quality, and help to reduce wildfire threats. NID’s goal is to improve the resiliency and sustainability of the watershed in our care.

NID is an engine for the economy. NID employs more than 200 area residents with a payroll of more than $30 million, annual purchases of about $27 million, and an overall budget of over $80 million, all of which stimulate the local economy. The District prides itself on being fiscally sound and open with the community. NID received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence from the Special District Leadership Foundation, recognition only granted to 13% of the 2,300 Special Districts in California. Further, NID has received the prestigious award for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Financial Officers Association.