In 1923, Turlock and Modesto Irrigation Districts joined forces to build the first Don Pedro Dam, which had a storage capacity of 289,000 acre feet. The dam held barely enough water to accommodate growers’ irrigation needs for a single growing season. After numerous dry winters, the districts decided to replace the original dam with a much larger one, in order to store water necessary to bridge multiple years of drought.
New Don Pedro Dam construction began in 1967 and was completed in 1971 at a cost of $105 million. Built primarily for irrigation water storage, the reservoir has a capacity of 2,030,000 acre feet and has many additional benefits including power generation, flood control and recreation.
By virtue of their historic sharing agreement based on acreage served within each district, TID’s share and interest in the dam amounts to 68.46% while the MID’s share is 31.54%.
Dam statistics:
• 580 Feet high
• 855 Feet above sea level at the crest
• 1900 Feet at crest length
• 40 Feet wide at crest
• 2800 Feet wide at its base
Irrigation
TID uses water stored in Don Pedro to irrigate approximately 5,800 farms within our 307 square-mile irrigation service area.
Power
TID has been delivering power to retail customers since 1923. As an operating partner, TID operates the powerhouse at the reservoir, which can generate up to 203 megawatts of electric power from its four generators.
Flood Control
Don Pedro Lake also provides flood protection for the valley below. Don Pedro's immense capacity is able to absorb surges from Sierra storms to protect property, farm land and industry.
Recreation
More than 13 million people have visited Don Pedro Lake since 1971. With 160 miles of shoreline and nearly 13,000 acre-feet of surface area (at maximum lake level), visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, water sports, swimming and camping. One of the highlights of the year is the annual firework show over the lake celebrating the Fourth of July.
For more information, call the Don Pedro Recreation Area at (209) 852-2396 or visit the website.
Don Pedro Lake Website
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