Water is typically turned into the canal system by April 15th depending on the year and weather. It is typically turned off completely by October 1st. water cuts based on year priority take place based on available water in the Big Wood River along with priority calls from other water users. Because of substantial water conveyance loss in our system, as the summer goes on and less and less water…

The Water Master is responsible for delivering water from the Big Wood River to each of the three main canals of the delivery system. The Water Master operates the diversion headgates and changes the amount of flow into the three main canals and other smaller ditches to ‘balance’ the water flows throughout the system for delivery of all water rights.

In addition to delivering water, the Water Master is responsible for all system maintenance within the ‘joint works’. Ditch maintenance is an ongoing process. Maintenance consists of keeping the canal or ditch free of all obstacles or impediments to water flow and adjacent banks clear for continued, unimpeded vehicle or equipment passage necessary for keeping the water way clear. This means that…

This maintenance requires that personnel access to all diversion structures and ALL stretches of the canal and ditch banks, on both sides, and through adjacent property. Idaho state statutes establish Right of Way corridors that allow this access wherever water conveyance systems exist, even through private property.

Below are pictures of the Watermaster  Mr. John Wright with Mr. Keith Myers handling maintenance work on the district’s irrigation canals. The Watermaster can be reached at 775-934-6200 if you have any questions regarding the delivery of your water rights.