OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE

IRRIGATION SEASON: The irrigation season can begin in April and end in October. The length of the season and the amount of water delivered will depend on weather conditions and snowpack in the mountains. Also, Oregon law provides for the following
deliveries of water:|

April: About 1/3 of summer irrigation flows.
May 1-15: About 2/3 of summer irrigation flows.
May 16 - September 15: Summer irrigation flows.
Sept. 16-30: About 2/3 of summer irrigation flows.
October: About 1/3 of summer irrigation flows.

MAINTENANCE SEASON: The maintenance season begins in November and runs through March. To a smaller degree, some maintenance and cleaning occurs during the irrigation season. If you have a specific need, please contact the office.

STOCK WATER RUNS: The canals will be turned on about every five to six weeks during the maintenance season to provide water for livestock. Because the distribution system is so large and open, we are severely impacted by weather conditions. As a result, our winter schedules are subject to change.

DELIVERY POINTS: In general, the District's point of delivery is at the high point(s) on each 40-acre tract. It is District policy that all deliveries from COID be from headgates and all deliveries measured. Ditches beyond delivery points are private ditches.

HEADGATES, WEIRS & METERS: All delivery structures and measuring devices are the property of the District and under the direct control of the management and staff. Anyone interfering with, adjusting, or in any way tampering with the distribution system is subject to prosecution under the laws of Oregon. The District may, at its discretion, lock headgates to regulate flows. Anyone wishing to change deliveries should contact the office.

EASEMENTS & RIGHT OF WAY: All easements are private for the operations and maintenance of the distribution system. Any encroachments of COID easements, crossings of COID ditches, or other uses of COID roads and ditches are strictly prohibited without prior written approval from the District. No encroachments, crossings or other uses will be allowed that in any way interfere with the District's use. This includes fences, gates or bridges. If you have any specific needs, please contact the District office.

WATER CONSERVATION & QUALITY: Oregon State law requires you "apply your water beneficially without waste." As we do not have unlimited supplies and we have continued competition for the use of water by others, it is critically important that everyone take only the amount of water needed and use it responsibly. Lining ponds and piping and cleaning ditches can cut losses and waste substantially. It is also important that every water user help in preventing any form of pollution from entering the distribution system. Any activities that degrade water quality are strictly prohibited. Please contact the office if we can be of any help.

WATER RIGHTS: A water right gives you permission and an obligation to beneficially irrigate a very specific area (generally measured in acres). The District and the State keep very detailed records of what lands can be irrigated. Your water rights have priority dates of 1900 and 1907. In addition, we have a right to a portion of the stored water from Crane Prairie Reservoir. Your water right also has a "duty of water" which is the volume of water you will receive during the irrigation season. The duty is measured in "acre feet" and varies from year to year depending on snowpack and stream flow. This water can only be applied to lands with a water right. A water right remains valid as long as an irrigator beneficially uses the water at least once every five years. Converting land to another use (road, parking lot, building, etc.) can also result in the forfeiture of a water right. Prior to converting land to another use, please see the water transfer section. If you have any questions regarding your water rights, please contact the office.

PRIVATE DITCHES: The District makes its equipment and personnel available from time to time. If you would like the rates for equipment, or a quote on a job, please contact the office.