Frequently Asked Questions

The water supply for the first unit is largely sourced from waste water recaptured from two drains: the Elija and Wilson. For the second unit, the water supply consists of water diverted from the natural flow of the Payette River, as well as stored water from Cascade Reservoir, which is managed under specific irrigation rights and water orders to optimize water usage.

Wastewater within the boundaries of the District belongs to the Black Canyon Irrigation District and can only be applied to assessed acres within the boundaries of the District, ensuring that all water orders are properly managed and irrigation rights are upheld for efficient water usage.

Lands that possess irrigation rights related to ground water and those under the Black Canyon Irrigation District water rights will not be entitled to excess water or permitted to transfer water to other lands. These accounts, which have claimed ground water rights, will stand alone and will not be allowed to combine with any other accounts, as per the established water orders regarding water usage.

Bills reflecting water usage are sent twice a year in the Spring (February/March) and in the Fall (October/November) for both Units for the calendar year, which also includes details on irrigation rights and upcoming water orders.

Water orders can be placed online. For more information regarding your irrigation rights and water usage, please check the Water Orders tab.

Each year, the Board of Directors will establish water allotment based on irrigation rights, which will influence water orders and overall water usage.

The District is a federal project and must comply with the Acreage Limitation Rules and Regulations (43CFR part 426). All landholders (direct or indirect landowners or lessees) who hold nonexempt land (irrigable or irrigation land that is subject to the acreage limitation provisions) within Bureau of Reclamation projects must annually file RRA forms as a condition for the receipt of irrigation rights and water orders from a Reclamation facility. This requirement applies to individuals, married couples and their dependents, legal entities (partnerships, corporations, trusts, estates, joint tenancies-in-common, etc.), religious or charitable organizations, and public entities. If you purchase land in the Black Canyon Irrigation District, contact the office immediately to see if the Acreage Limitation Rules & Regulations pertain to you, especially regarding your water usage. LANDOWNERS ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON RRA FORMS.

NO exterior boundary line fences or gates will be built across Irrigation District easements or ditch rider access roads, canals, laterals, or drains. This is crucial for maintaining irrigation rights and ensuring proper water orders are followed. NO fences, including interior fences, shall be built that will interfere with weed spraying or canal, lateral, or drain maintenance or operations, as it could impact water usage. Contact the office for detailed fence policy.

Right of ways vary across different canal and lateral systems, which can impact your irrigation rights. To find out the specific width applicable to your area or system, please contact the District. Additionally, remember that no sprinkling of ditch rider access roads will be allowed, as it affects water orders and overall water usage.

ALL pumps must be installed below the weir in a manner that prevents backwater from entering the Black Canyon Irrigation District system. An overflow shall be installed that can manage the entire ordered flow, ensuring that such flows do not return to the District laterals or canals, thus protecting our irrigation rights and promoting efficient water usage. The District assumes 'NO' responsibility for pumps and motors due to any cause.

Any pipeline installed on District laterals or canals will be scheduled at the convenience of the District. A written agreement must be signed with the estimated cost, before work is to start, ensuring that all irrigation rights are respected. Along with a pipeline easement, all materials are to be furnished by the landowner and shall be on the job site prior to the start of construction, which aligns with the water orders and planned water usage.