Lower Tule River is one of the largest irrigation districts in the state, covering more than 104,000 acres with more than 150 miles of canals and Tule River frontage in the southern portion of Tulare County\u2019s flatlands. It is known for playing an active role in local, state and federal water policy. Nearby, Pixley covers nearly 70,000 acres.<\/p>\n
Peltzer is the fourth general manager of the districts, which share a common management approach that will continue under Peltzer\u2019s leadership.<\/p>\n
Peltzer, 60, has spent 27 years in the legal profession, mostly representing public water districts and other public entities. He has worked with the two districts for the past 25 years, including representing them in state and federal water litigation and policy development.<\/p>\n
More recently, Peltzer led the legal effort to develop Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) plans for the districts, which also formed their own groundwater agencies.<\/p>\n
Lower Tule board member Josh Pitigliano said in a phone call that he is looking forward to a new chapter for the districts.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlex is a good fit with all the challenges we have going,\u201d he said. \u201cHe will hit the ground running.\u201d<\/p>\n
Said water consultant Dan Vink: \u201cAlex is a good choice. He has good experience and knows California water.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to his legal experience, Peltzer worked as a congressional aide in Washington, D.C. and in the San Joaquin Valley, where he initially became involved in water policy issues. He is a Visalia native and holds a bachelor\u2019s degree from University of Notre Dame and a master\u2019s from University of Missouri. He graduated with highest honors from San Joaquin College of Law in 2001.<\/p>\n
Peltzer said he is honored to be entrusted with the position at districts that he said have been leaders in water management.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut really the biggest attraction to me is getting to join the dedicated group of people that these districts employ,\u201d he is quoted in a press release issued by the districts.<\/p>\n
The districts also have challenges. Lower Tule has access to extensive surface water while Pixley is primarily groundwater dependent. An estimated 20,000 acres will come out of production in Pixley under the state\u2019s new groundwater rules.<\/p>\n
Peltzer will also oversee the management agreement with Tea Pot Dome and Vandalia water districts, as well as Pioneer Water Company.<\/p>\n
Peltzer will be taking leave from his law firm, Peltzer Richardson & Koontz, and will not be serving as general counsel to the districts in his new position.<\/p>\n
An employment contract is being negotiated and is expected to be approved during the districts\u2019 May meetings. Limas earned $287,400 in pay and $94,669 in benefits for total compensation of $382,069 as General Manager in 2024, according to Transparent California, which tracks public employee pay.<\/p>\n
Peltzer\u2019s appointment is the latest in a string of moves among Tulare County water managers. In November, Jason Phillips announced his resignation<\/a> as chief executive officer of Friant Water Authority, and chief operating officer Johnny Amaral<\/a> was appointed to the role. Limas then moved into Amaral\u2019s former position.<\/p>\n SJV Water is an independent, nonprofit news site covering water in the San Joaquin Valley, www.sjvwater.org.<\/a> Email us at sjvwater@sjvwater.org<\/a><\/p>\n Mar\u00eda G. Ortiz-Briones<\/a><\/p>\n The Fresno Bee<\/p>\n Mar\u00eda G. Ortiz-Briones is a reporter and photographer for McClatchy\u2019s Vida en el Valle publication and the Fresno Bee. She covers issues that impact the Latino community in the Central Valley. She is a regular contributor to La Abeja, The Bee\u2019s free weekly newsletter on Latino issues. | Mar\u00eda G. Ortiz-Briones es reportera y fot\u00f3grafa de la publicaci\u00f3n Vida en el Valle de McClatchy y el Fresno Bee. Ella cubre temas que impactan a la comunidad latina en el Valle Central. Es colaboradora habitual de La Abeja, el bolet\u00edn semanal gratuito de The Bee sobre temas latinos.
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