Member Spotlight Summer 2025
Sutter Mutual Water Company
A Century of Stewardship and Salmon Recovery
Established in 1919, Sutter Mutual Water Company (SMWC) has been a cornerstone of agricultural water delivery in California's Sacramento Valley. Serving over 45,000 acres of farmland through an extensive network of more than 200 miles of canals, SMWC ensures reliable irrigation from the Sacramento River to the Sutter Bypass.
Beyond its agricultural mission, SMWC is deeply committed to environmental stewardship, particularly in salmon recovery efforts. Recognizing the ecological significance of the Sacramento River, SMWC has implemented several initiatives to support endangered salmon populations.
One standout project is the Tisdale Positive Barrier Fish Screen and Pumping Plant. This initiative aims to prevent the entrainment of juvenile salmon and other native fish species during water diversions, reducing mortality rates and supporting population recovery.
In addition, SMWC participates in habitat enhancement projects, such as the placement of spawning gravel downstream of Keswick Dam. These efforts, in collaboration with the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors and other agencies, aim to improve spawning conditions for Chinook salmon.
SMWC also uses innovative practices like post-harvest field flooding. By inundating rice fields during the winter, they create temporary wetlands that serve as critical habitat for migratory birds and provide nutrient-rich environments for juvenile salmon.
Through these efforts, Sutter Mutual Water Company serves as a powerful example of how agricultural operations can coexist with and support vital ecological restoration projects.
