April showers bring May flowers and apparently May brings more showers. Wow, we have
really experienced more rain this spring than we have had in this area for many
years. The Ag Met sensor has recorded almost 5 inches of measureable moisture
for the month and we still have three days to go with the weather monitors
forecasting more rain this weekend. Not only are the fields saturated we are
spilling daily 300+ c.f.s. at the diversion. We are unable to capture and
retain or use the water as Brush Hollow is nearing its capacity and no one
wants to irrigate. Most established fields are ready to cut but unable to do
so. Shareholders are waiting for the fields to dry out enough to cut and then
need additional days for the hay to dry before bailing. It may be a month or so
to accomplish this. Our temperatures are finally going into the high 70’s with
some low 80’s in the near future. This type of weather pattern makes one forget
about the drought issues we dealt with a couple of years ago. We just have us
other issues to deal with. Currently many are wondering “when can we cut”? We
can be thankful for not receiving the damaging storms our neighbors towards the
south and east of us have experienced.
Our records indicate that about 34 shareholders have not
paid their assessments for 2015. Interest is accruing on the balances and will
be added to the total. Additionally those accounts will be charged a surcharge
fee of $10.00 for additional processing. Interest will be calculated each month
and statements will be sent monthly. Non-paid accounts will not be eligible to
receive irrigation water until accounts are paid. The ditch riders will not
contact those shareholders with accounts not in good standing. It is your
responsibility to pay assessments in a timely fashion. Those shareholders that
chose to pay their assessments in two parts, the second half of the assessments
will be due 8/1/15.
A reminder to those shareholders whose water delivery
depends on pipe or ditch that comes across another individuals property before
reaching yours; you have a legal right to have access to the water, however it
maybe your responsibility to maintain that pipe or ditch in order to receive
it. Any questions or concerns you may
have regarding your delivery, please ask our Superintendent to evaluate your
situation. We will be happy to assist you in any way we can. Due to our system
originally set-up to irrigate 40 acre lots, it has been modified to accommodate
5-10 acre lots the best we were able. In some cases, delivery was not possible.
Due to this, many shareholders have at their own expense, paid for pipe and
delivery boxes in order to receive water. Ultimately we encourage all
shareholders to work with their neighbors, this solves most issues. Remember we
all are working towards the same goal.
