In a unanimous 5-0 vote, the South San Joaquin Irrigation District Board of Directors approved terminating its long-standing license agreement with Stanislaus County for recreation management at Woodward Reservoir.
The board action at its Oct. 14 regular meeting to issue the termination notice follows a comprehensive review of the agreement, reservoir operations, and financial and management analysis conducted by SSJID staff.
Woodward Reservoir consists of 36,000-acre feet of water storage with recreational facilities for camping and boating.
By assuming direct responsibility for recreation operations, the board believes the SSJID is better able to protect water quality, improve oversight, and deliver long-term value to ratepayers and the community.
“SSJID has thoroughly reviewed the operations at Woodward Reservoir and determined that our District is best positioned to guide its future,” said SSJID General Manager Peter Rietkerk. “This step allows us to provide stronger oversight, protect water quality, and enhance recreation for the community. We are committed to ensuring the transition delivers clear benefits for our ratepayers and reservoir users.”
Under the terms of the existing agreement, SSJID is providing a one-year notice, with the agreement concluding Oct. 15, 2026.
During this period, SSJID and the County will coordinate on planning to maintain recreation access and address operational needs while protecting water quality.
Since 2022, SSJID has engaged with County staff to better understand the operational and financial management of Woodward Reservoir. During this process, the District identified opportunities to improve transparency, efficiencies and long-term investments that could be made in the reservoir’s facilities and water quality protection programs.
“Today’s decision reflects SSJID’s responsibility to ensure that District resources are managed effectively and transparently,” said SSJID Board President Glenn Spyksma. “We appreciate the County’s years of partnership and look forward to working collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition that serves the public well.”
The District will provide updates to the public as discussions with the County regarding transition continue. For more information, visit ssjid.gov.
SSJID was established in 1909 and is headquartered in Manteca.
The district provides agricultural irrigation water to over 50,000 acres surrounding Escalon, Ripon, and Manteca, and wholesale drinking water to over 215,000 residents in Manteca, Lathrop, Tracy, and, in the future, Escalon.
SSJID, along with Oakdale Irrigation District, owns and operates the Tri-Dam Project, a series of storage reservoirs and electric generation facilities that produce zero-carbon hydropower in the Stanislaus River watershed.
