Alta Irrigation District was formed in August 1888 through a general election after the Wright Act became law on March 7, 1887, and it was the first such district to become operational. The district incorporated the holdings of the "76" land and water company, which was purchased after the passage of a bond issue. The name "76" was the brand name of Thomas Fowler, who sold his brand and holdings for stock in the "76" land and water company. The first directors of the five precincts were T.L. Reed, John E. Toler, E.E. Giddings, J.D. Vannoy, and P.Y. Baker. The district has over 700 miles of ditches and pipelines bringing water to 130,000 acres of rich and productive farmland within the Dinuba, Orosi, Reedley, and Traver areas.