Semitropic Water Storage District is one of eight water storage districts in California and is the largest in Kern County. The District delivers water to nearly 300 customers for the irrigation of approximately 140, 000 acres for agricultural uses. Semitropic also supplies energy to a variety of users and provides groundwater banking and storage services. Established in 1958, Semitropic Water Storage District covers an area of more than 220, 000 acres. It began as an irrigation district for the purpose of securing State Water Project supplies to reduce groundwater overdraft. In the early 90s, Semitropic began its groundwater storage program in response to several challenges from the 1980s, including: The development of the Semitropic Water Storage Bank was based on three primary objectives: Semitropic Water Storage District provides water to customers for agricultural use only. Throughout the district, water is used for the following crops ( based on a 2008 crop survey ):