The Madera Water District (MWD or District) was formed in 1969 and is classified as a California water district under Division 13 of the California Water Code.  The District boundary lies entirely within Madera County, north of the San Joaquin River and west of Highway 41.  An agricultural water district, MWD serves approximately 125 individual parcels for a total of 3,709 acres, all of which were developed to pistachio orchards several years before the district was formed.  No residential water service is provided by the District.

MWD is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, each of whom are landowners in the District or are an authorized and appointed representative of a landowner in the District.  The daily operations of the District are managed by one general manager.