Press Release August 20, 2025

Raisin City Water District Annexation Approved, Expanding Access to Water Resources and Providing Representation to Western Fresno County Ag Lands

On Wednesday, August 13, the Fresno Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) voted unanimously at its public hearing to approve Raisin City Water District’s annexation of approximately 55,543 acres. The preexisting district area of 51,719 acres has now doubled in size with the approved annexation. The annexation welcomes landowners in an area not previously part of a water district, also called a “white area.” 

The annexation expands Raisin City Water District’s service area into northwest central Fresno County, providing growers with elected representation in McMullin Area Groundwater Sustainability Agency (MAGSA), as well as opportunities to plan and develop infrastructure to benefit the area. 

The area will benefit from future groundwater recharge projects that replenish the aquifer during wet years, protecting agricultural production now and in the future. Newly annexed landowners will gain greater stability, advocacy, and investment from the District as they navigate SGMA.

“As a landowner, this means better access to many resources as farming becomes increasingly complex. Having the support and advocacy of the District will help us continue farming for the long-term,” said Matt Abercrombie, newly annexed Raisin City Water District landowner.

The District will take its next steps to develop water supply contracts, infrastructure plans, and financial plans to cover the new service area. Fresno LAFCo will record the annexation after 30 days, and the annexation will be considered final after another 30 days. 

Raisin City Water District initiated the annexation process in 2024 after it received multiple requests for annexation between 2016 and 2021.

The annexation effort cost in excess of $100,000, funded entirely by landowners requesting to be annexed into the District through a voluntary assessment agreement. 

“It’s really a testament to the desire for landowners to have better representation and funding opportunities as groundwater sustainability progress increasingly becomes front and center,” said Gere Gunlund, Director and Board President. “We are excited to welcome new landowners to our district and provide them access to more resources that will strengthen long-term opportunities for sustainable groundwater recharge.”