June not only provided us with almost 2-inches of rain in
Penrose but we have had a large amount of water coming down the creek. Enough
water that we had to spill water out of the diversion due to our limitations on
how much water we can take in the system and the fact we are limited to our
Brush Hollow Reservoir at 90 feet. With all this water the ditch riders are
distributing irrigation water to complete second irrigations. The significant
rain received in May as well as first irrigations, we now have many fields in
the process of being cut and baled. Not only does that impact the field being
processed for hay cutting, but affects those properties adjacent to them that
can not received water until the hay has been moved. A lot of juggling of water
at this time for the ditch riders. Please coordinate with your ditch rider if
you plan on cutting your hay and when you anticipate it to be baled and off the
field.
As a shareholder with Beaver Park Water, Inc. you are not
simply entitled to irrigation water when it is available but you are
responsible for your irrigation water during your scheduled time. You are a
part of a mutual ditch company that has a closed system (water must be
scheduled to go to another shareholder prior to your water being turned off)
Turning water on or off is solely to be done by the ditch rider or
superintendent. You are not authorized to turn your water on or off. You are
not to run water down the road and into someone else’s property. Bar ditches
were not intended for waste water. Wasting water is exactly what it sounds
like, the water could be used by another shareholder. Please be responsible to
your fellow shareholders. Should your water leave your property you will be
held responsible for any damage it may cause to someone else’s property. If you
can not hold your water on your property, you should contact your ditch rider
prior to it causing a problem. This must occur immediately when you calculate
this may occur. Remember not only will they need to turn your water off but they
must find another shareholder that is able to take the water without notice. This
process cannot realistically be done at 8:00 pm. Plan ahead of time. You are
required to manage your water while it is being delivered, if you can not
physically be available to watch the water, you should find someone willing to do
this for you. We are entering the summer months when the water from the creek
is much lower and less available for irrigations. It is a precious commodity
and we all need to be good stewards with it.
There are many County and State laws that pertain to
irrigation water that affects all shareholders. If you do not have a copy to
refer to, please come to the office for that documentation.
The upcoming weather should be hot in the 90’s so plan to
dress for it and kept an umbrella at hand for the occasional rain storm.
