What a
difference a few days make; when some well needed moisture visits. Penrose was
greatly rewarded with a total of THREE ½ INCHES OF PRECIPITATION for the month
according to the AG Met sensor located here in Penrose. This sensor actually
records moisture received at the soil level. This gift is most impressive for
the month. The State drought monitor was also positively impacted changing our
area from Moderate drought to Abnormally Dry, with portions of the State
reporting no drought at this time.
The rain
not only impacted us directly but increased the flow in the creek allowing more
irrigation lines to be started. Currently each ditch rider is running three to
four lines based upon daily creek flow. This will continue as long as the creek
provides the capability. As a reminder; the ditch riders began irrigations with
those shareholders who were without water the longest. This type of delivery
may mean that water may move around in order achieve this, however it is the
fairest way to distribute the water. Please be patient and thankful for mother
nature’s gift of rain.
With the
increase in creek and our priority date to store water we were able to increase
the level in Brush Hollow to allow for continued irrigations on the lower
ditch. It is our mission to manage the water in efforts to provide as many
irrigations as possible with the water available. Of course; this has only been
made possible from the rain storms received. AND JUST LIKE THAT THE WEATHER
CHANGED, RAIN STOPPED AND THE CREEK DROPPED DOWN TO 9 C.F.S. This sudden drop put our Superintendent and
the ditch riders into a quick slow down mode and reduced our ability to deliver
the three to four lines each down to 2 lines each. The weather dictates our
creek flow, managing the ups and downs is not easy and very frustrating for
everyone involved. We will continue to support irrigations as long as there is
water available to do so. For those who have faithfully and successfully performed
your rain dances this month, please continue. The weather forecast does show
possible rain for the last days of May. AND BEFORE MAY ENDED, CREEK
INCREASED TO 19 C.F.S, and again with the increase more irrigations started
again. Regardless of the irrigations, Mother Nature has taken good care of us,
please be thankful that we have received the wonderful rain with a grand total of almost
THREE ¾ inches of precipitation for the month.
What may
not be apparent; Irrigations started with the Reservoir down 20ft. from full.
Only allowing 2 feet of the reservoir to be used for irrigations on the lower
ditch. In effort to effectively manage the water in the upper ditch, transfers down
from the upper ditch to the lower ditch were used and allowing some of the
upper ditch water to flow down to the Reservoir not only have we raised the
reservoir we continue to distribute water on the lower ditch shareholders. When
the water was first released from the Reservoir, we only anticipated being able
to use the lower ditch for 4 to 6 weeks. Beneficial management of the
distribution of water has allowed BOTH the upper ditch shareholders and lower
ditch shareholders to receive irrigations.
As a
reminder to all shareholders, it is your responsibility to maintain the
irrigation water on your property. We have had several instances this year when
tail water from irrigations has filled the County’s bar ditches and flooded
roads and other land owners’ property. This is not acceptable. Beaver Park
Water’s Articles of Inc. Article XVIII States that any stockholder allowing
water to go to waste shall be discontinued water. A shareholder has the
responsibility to the other shareholders to be a good steward of the water. Any
water wasted, is less water available for another shareholder to use for
irrigation. Please be mindful of your irrigation water. If you are unable to manage
your water, contact the ditch rider for assistance. Reduction of water flow may
assist in the management. Please use your resources available. Thank you.
PRAY FOR
RAIN
