Western Canal Water District

04/21/2026

Courtesy of water operator Chris Damon.

04/07/2026

The first signs of the season. We officially added water to our main irrigation ditch. Earliest start on Craig’s record. It’s the start of a busy season ahead. Happy Rice Farming!

01/26/2026

These two enjoying the nice weather along the Midway just outside Nelson.

01/06/2026

We are stunned and saddened to learn of Doug LaMalfa’s passing away this morning. He was our neighbor, fellow farmer, friend, and valued partner. For more than two decades, he served our community and the North State as our elected official, representing us first in the California Legislature and then in Congress. He carried honorary titles for years, but he remained “Doug” here at home.

Doug shared our passion for water. His father, Milt, was a founding member of Western Canal Water District, and Doug continued that legacy by advocating for water, agriculture, and waterfowl. He tirelessly championed our North State perspectives in Sacramento and Washington, DC, with an affection for his constituents and a passion for our issues.

We mourn with and pray for his family, especially Jill, Kyle, Allie, Sophia, Natalie, Sherry, and Lisa.

12/01/2025

We welcome our new General Manager on board today!

08/27/2025

Red Tail Hawk on the ditch bank.
Photos by ditch driver Jeremy Wachtel

07/16/2025

06/27/2025

Ditch Driver Chris Damon caught these juvenile eagles off the nest branching. They have fledged and the parents are still feeding them as they learn from their parents to hunt before they take off on their journey. Fun fact. Eagles do not get white heads until the age 4-5 year

05/30/2025

Ditch Driver Jeremy caught this guy out in the rice fields today.

04/16/2025