Irrigation districts prepare to fill canals but are already warning about reduced water
Idaho irrigation water customers can expect their water to be turned on by the end of April, but already cities and the Boise Project Board of Control are urging water users to conserve as the state faces its second drought year in a row.
The irrigation districts served by the Boise Project Board of Control will likely deliver water to irrigation customers no sooner than April 22.
The board operates five irrigation districts: Boise-Kuna, Big Bend, Nampa and Meridian, New York and Wilder.
“Southern Idaho is experiencing drought conditions for the second year in a row,” said the Boise Project Board of Control in a news release. “As a result the snowpack in the Boise River basin is substantially lower than normal and reservoir elevations are also lower than normal.”
After about two-tenths of an inch of rain fell on Monday, April 4, Boise still had received less than half the typical 3.9 inches of rainfall since Jan. 1, a National Weather Service meteorologist told the Idaho Statesman.
Idaho Department of Water Resources hydrologist David Hoekema told the Idaho Water Resource Board at a recent meeting that water shortages are expected in every basin in southern Idaho.
Hoekema said a wet fall and record-breaking snowfall in December has been followed by three months of little precipitation and a declining snowpack. Streamflow forecasts range from 20% to 70% below average.
“We’re far enough along that there’s very little chance of recovery,” Hoekema said.
The weekly U.S. Drought Monitor map shows the bottom two-thirds of the state in drought. About half of that is classified as severe drought.
Gary Spackman, director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources, said there will likely be water shortages for agriculture and curtailments because of below-normal water runoff. He said he’s expecting “a tough water year.”
The length of the Treasure Valley irrigation season depends on water availability in reservoirs and canals. Last summer, many irrigation districts shut off water in early September, earlier than many residents were used to. This was because of a low snowpack this past winter and depleted reservoirs.
Even before irrigation water is turned on, government agencies are warning residents to be mindful of their water use.
Nampa residents on irrigated water get it from canals and ditches supplied by Arrow Rock, Lucky Peak, and Anderson Ranch reservoirs. Nampa is served by three irrigation districts — Nampa-Meridian, Pioneer and Boise-Kuna.
The city of Nampa created a drought task force this year to educate residents about the severe drought conditions expected throughout the Treasure Valley.
Nampa held an open house on Thursday to discuss proper lawn watering techniques and how to be careful with water overuse.
“The city of Nampa is also encouraging all water users to be mindful of this natural resource and water wisely,” the city said in a news release.
Nampa residents with irrigation water will also see a rate increase of 13.7% to maintain the pressurized irrigation system. Property owners will see an average increase of $17.54 on their annual irrigation bills this year, the city said in a news release.
The Associated Press contributed.
This story was originally published April 9, 2022 at 4:00 AM.
