The Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District is lifting water conservation measures for the 2008 season effective immediately. LOID General Manager Barney Metz says the combination of responsible irrigating by patrons, more precipitation and cooler summer temperatures have allowed for the earlier-than-normal lifting of watering restrictions.
LOID General Manager Barney Metz comments
The district will no longer be enforcing the water schedule, but is still encouraging patrons to continue to think conservatively when it comes to irrigating their properties.
Metz continues
The official irrigation season ends October 20th, however watering is allowed after that date for stock animals and immediate needs. For more information contact the district office at (208) 746-8235.
Watering restrictions are now in effect for the Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District.
LOID manager Barney Metz says the district decided to implement the conservation schedule immediately as irrigation water usage has surpassed 45 acre feet per day for the last few days, with high temperatures expected to continue.
Barney Metz, LOID manager, comments
For odd addresses, watering is permitted on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings starting at 5 PM and ending by 8 AM the next morning – even addresses follow the same time frame on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings.
LOID encourages patrons to water wisely, such as not watering in one spot all night. LOID and the University of Idaho extension office does offer help to those looking for ways to conserve.
Metz continues
Those watering outside the specified hours will receive a warning after the first incident; the second incident will result in LOID turning off the violator’s irrigation water for seven days; and the third incident will result in the property having its irrigation water turned off until Oct. 20, the end of the irrigation season.
Metz reminds patrons that the restrictions are for irrigation water only, and watering can be supplemented with domestic water. For more information call LOID at 746-8235.
Continued cool, wet weather has kept the Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District from implementing watering restrictions for the time being.
With residents not using much water because of the weather, three-times-a-week restrictions did not go into effect on June 1 as scheduled. However, as rains subside and people begin using more water, restrictions will be implemented immediately.
Meanwhile, the second half of LOID irrigation assessments for property is due June 20. Liens may be placed against property for unpaid assessments.
The LOID office at 1520 Powers Ave., is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and has a drop box near the front door and in the parking lot for customer convenience.
