2026 Spring Newsletter PROGRESSIVE IRRIGATION DISTRICT 208-522-3102
Winter has been unusually warm and dry this year, as you know. The moisture accumulation for 2025-2026 is below average. A reduced snow pack and lower reservoir storage levels will make insufficient water supplies for the full season, especially late season crops. Conditions could improve if there is more precipitation in the spring so keep that in mind as you start this irrigation season.
The board has set April --- as the tentative date for water to be turned into the system this year.
Idaho Code 42-907 states that a meeting should be called to appoint a lateral ditch manager when 3 or more people use the same headgate for the same lateral ditch. This is not just a suggestion; it is Idaho Law. A lateral ditch manager will assess the condition of the ditch that delivers water to you from the main canal headgate. That manager will also order water and distribute the water fairly to those on the same ditch. If a problem or a dispute happens, and a ditch manager has not been designated, it is almost impossible to solve a situation. If the ditch is not clean, he has the ability to ask for labor or money to get it ready for water. All users of the ditch are required by law to participate. Everyone who has a water right has a right to use the water and the time that is allotted to that patron depends on the number of acres to be watered. We have several lateral managers who have stood up and filled that position. A HUGE thank-you to them for their service. It is a thankless job.
The ditchrider will NEVER open your headgate. Their responsibility is to get the water to your headgate. After that, the responsibility lies with the person who opens the headgate. The district will clean and mow and spray the main canals as needed. Please make sure there are no fences, machinery, pumps, pipes or hoses in the right of way along the canal banks. The district is not responsible for damage to anything in that right of way. The district would like to remind you that although it is not responsible for private ditches, (any ditch after it leaves the canal headgate) irrigation is more efficient if you have a clean delivery system.
Idaho Code 18-4301 states that anyone who disturbs a gate or deposits rubbish, filth or obstruction to the free flow of water is guilty of a misdemeanor. This would pertain to grass clippings, dead animals, unused produce or random garbage. This law also includes dumping of pet feces. A misdemeanor charge could be as much as $1000.00 and jail time.
ORDERING WATER There are several ways to order water. Please include the lateral ditch manager for this. Orders can be placed on the Web Page www.progressiveirrigationdistrict.com . On our home page you will find an “order water” button. It is necessary to know your canal name and headgate number. If you don’t know that information, please call the office 208-522-3102. If you call the office after hours to order water, you will be directed to pick the option to speak to a ditchrider. You can leave an order there. Also, the district has retained the water order phone line designated for water orders. That number is 208-522-5898. You will speak to a recording when you call that number.
DITCH RIDERS At this time, we have three ditchriders.
Don Reed: Anderson above Ririe, Crow Creek, Riley, Sand Creek, Little Sand Creek, Ammon Extension, & Taylor Extension.
Kellan Bird: The Gardner Canal, Hillside Canal, East Center, and West Center.
We would encourage you to go to our web page and see what new information you can find there. A link to find your headgate can be found under “service area”. You can join our email list by signing on to our web page also. If a message needs to be sent to a specific canal, it will be posted on our home page in the first section. You may also pay your assessment on-line through a POS company named Access Idaho. This company charges a fee of 2.5% plus $1.00. We do accept cash and checks. IF YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO PAY YOUR ASSESSMENT IN TWO PARTS, PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO PAY THE SECOND HALF OF YOUR ASSESSMENT BEFORE JUNE 20, 2026.
If you have concerns, comments or questions, please call the office or a member of the Board of Directors. Lance Schuster: 208-521-5887, Murland Spaulding: 208-351-5690 or Ryan Steele: 208-390-5765. The manager, Kim Folsom can be reached at 208-521-6489.
