The San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority was established in January of 1992 and consists of 27 member agencies providing water service to approximately 1,200,000 acres of irrigated agriculture, 2 million people, and 130,000 acres of wetlands within the western San Joaquin Valley, San Benito and Santa Clara counties.

One of the primary purposes of establishing the Authority was to assume the operation and maintenance (O&M) responsibilities of certain United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) Central Valley Project facilities, and do so at an optimum level and at a lower cost than the USBR. In addition, the Authority serves the information and representation needs of our members by developing, providing and disseminating information to legislative, administrative and judicial bodies concerning a variety of issues such as: Sacramento and San Joaquin Delta exports, water supply, water quality, water development, conservation, distribution, drainage, contractual rights, surface and groundwater management, and any other common interest of the member agencies.

MISSION

The Mission of San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority is to Operate the Delta Mendota Canal and related facilities reliably and cost-effectively, and to support member agencies in restoring and protecting adequate, affordable water supplies for agricultural, municipal and industrial, and environmental uses.

VISION

• Assured, adequate, reliable, and affordable water supplies for the agricultural, environmental, municipal, and industrial communities served by member agencies within San Joaquin, San Benito, and Santa Clara Valleys.
• Cost-effective and reliable delivery of water to member agencies and other Central Valley Project water users we serve.
• Effective engagement in regulatory, judicial, legislative, and environmental arenas as well as projects and programs that support the policies and strategies of member agencies.
• Respected leader and valued partner in the California water community, helping to achieve the shared goals of our member agencies and the common good.
• A diverse and engaged Board and membership, together with a highly trained, motivated, and capable staff to achieve the shared goals of member agencies.

CORE VALUES

• People First – Our employees are our most valued resource. They are known for their character, commitment, competence, and loyalty. We provide opportunities for personal growth and celebrate individual and team accomplishments.
• Honesty and Integrity – We demonstrate honesty and integrity every day by practicing the highest ethical standards and by ensuring that our actions follow our words.
• Accountability – We acknowledge that both the Board and staff of the Water Authority are accountable to member agencies and water users that we serve, as well as to each other.
• Courage – We are committed to facing tough issues and doing what it takes to get the job done.
• Transparency – We listen to our member agencies and communicate openly about our policies, processes, and plans for the future.
• Teamwork – We work together by sharing information and resources to achieve common goals.
• Respect – We ensure every voice of the Water Authority is treated with dignity and civility, differences are valued, and individual abilities and contributions are recognized.