Caldwell officials warn residents of need for water restrictions
The grass isn’t always greener — especially if you’re in Caldwell right now.
Following Idaho’s warmest winter on record and below-normal snowpack, Caldwell officials are warning residents who water their lawns from Caldwell Municipal Irrigation District canals of the need to restrict their outside water usage.
Caldwell residents should expect lower water pressure this year and be aware that the irrigation district may end the water season early, the city said in a press release on Tuesday.
Residents can find out whether they are part of the Caldwell Municipal Irrigation District on the district’s website.
Because assessments pay for access rather than a specific amount, residents will be billed the same amount regardless of when the season ends, according to the city.
The city offered advice for how to prevent pump stations from overloading and shutting down:
- Water every other day — odd-numbered addresses should water on odd-numbered dates and even-numbered addresses on even-numbered dates.
- Run sprinklers 15 minutes per zone for two to three times per week, targeting 1-2 inches of water per week.
- If you notice water running over the sidewalk after 15 minutes, then cut the watering time back to 12 minutes per zone.
“Watering every other day actually helps your lawn grow deeper roots and become more drought-tolerant,” the city said.
The city also advised that it would prioritize repairing main lines and leaks over restarting pump stations, and would not restart a pump until the following morning.
“We’ll get to the pumps as soon as a technician is free,” the city said.
The Caldwell Municipal Irrigation District said it will post updates on its website as the watering season progresses.
Caldwell was the first Treasure Valley city to issue water restriction recommendations, but others may soon follow.
Idaho Department of Water Resources Hydrologist David Hoekema previously told the Idaho Statesman that 2026 has the worst water outlook since 1936 during the Dust Bowl.
“This year, water is so low that every Idahoan will feel the impact,” Erin Whorton, a water supply specialist at the Idaho State Office of the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service, told the Statesman
