PRESS RELEASE: Madera Irrigation District GSA, City of Madera GSA, Madera Water District GSA, Madera County GSA, Gravelly Ford Water District GSA
History of the Gravelly Ford Water District
The present-day Gravelly Ford Water District had its beginnings in the late 1940's in Madera County. George Pope, Jr. owner of the El Peco Ranch, was desirous of receiving a supply of water from the Bureau of Reclamation. As they would not sell water to an individual, it was necessary to form an alliance. Mr. Pope approached other farmers in the area with the suggestion of starting an association for the purpose of receiving water from the Bureau.
This association was to take the form of a stock company with shares being sold which entitled the shareholder to purchase water. The water was to be received through the old Miller & Lux canal called Gravelly Ford Canal, so the group called themselves the Gravely Ford Water Association. The price of each share was $9.