CIMIS (California Irrigation Management Information System) is an integrated network of more than 120 computerized weather stations throughout California. The primary purpose of CIMIS is to make information available to the public, free of charge, to improve irrigation scheduling by calculating water use of local crops based on daily weather information. Each CIMIS station records a wide range of useful weather information that will help growers estimate how much water is needed by their crops on a daily basis.
There are four CIMIS stations within the Pajaro Valley area:
For detailed information on the state's CIMIS program, and to sign up for free access to local, customized CIMIS information, click the link above to visit the Department of Water Resources CIMIS website.
Water Management in Cool Season Vegetables (105 KB PDF)
Provides basic recommendations for improving irrigation management.
Santa Clara Valley Water District- Agricultural Efficiency
This page contains valuable information and links focused on agricultural efficiency.
Handbook for Agricultural Water Use Efficiency (1.1 MB PDF)
Four part handbook for growers and irrigators which provides step-by-step instructions for:
California Irrigation Institute
A non-profit organization described as the oldest independent forum on water and irrigation. Provides access to a wide range of presentations and reports given at their annual events.
Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT)- CSU Fresno
Described as an independent research and testing facility to assist designers, engineers, and users of irrigation equipment.
Developed by the Center for Irrigation Technology at California State University, Fresno, WATERIGHT is designed to be a multi-function, educational resource for irrigation water management. The site is designed for three audiences: homeowners, commercial turf growers and agriculture. An important resource of the site is the irrigation scheduling programming that helps users develop site-specific, seasonal irrigation schedules.
California State University Agricultural Research Initiative- Irrigation Technology
Described as a comprehensive applied agricultural and environmental research program joining the CSU's four colleges of agriculture and the state's agriculture and natural resources industries and allied business communities. The goal is to foster the development and evaluation of new and promising technologies that have the potential for improving food safety, environmental stewardship, economic performance, and long-term sustainability of California's agriculture industry.
Department of Water Resources, Ag Water Use Program
The Office of Water Use Efficiency works to disseminate and transfer information on improved irrigation technologies and to identify and help develop technologies and farming methods that improve water use efficiency. Contains links to a number of state websites related to ag water use.
Agricultural Water Management Council (AWMC)
Described as a non-profit organization dedicated to achieve greater ag water management efficiency, primarily by aiding water suppliers, agencies and districts in developing and implementing Water Management Plans, and promoting specific Efficient Water Management Practices.