Town of Silt officials learned from the Ware and Hinds Ditch Association yesterday that the ditch that supplies some of our irrigation water had recovered somewhat to run at between 19 and 23 cubic feet per second. This is down considerably from earlier in the summer and reflects the lower snowpack and warm and dry spring and summer that we have had. Ware and Hinds reports that while the local water commissioner is working to get more water into the ditch, “it looks like water levels will be up and down from here on out.”
Ware and Hinds ran low on irrigation water in its ditch and had issued a call to replenish its supply from Elk Creek last week. The Town relies substantially on Ware and Hinds, getting approximately 30-35% of its irrigation water from this source. Silt’s irrigation storage tanks are operating, but with much less water than normal.
The Town of Silt does not own or operate any of the irrigation ditches. It does not control the amount of water flowing in the ditches or have influence on the supply.
Ware and Hinds Ditch Basics
The Ware & Hinds Ditch Association has very senior water rights on Elk Creek, dating back to adjudication dates in 1889. The Town of Silt is a shareholder on the ditch, but has a lower priority than others due to how water rights were established as the ditch was dug, in five sections. Since Silt is at the end of the ditch, it has some of the lowest priorities on the ditch. The ditch company alerts us when it anticipates interruptions in flow, but tells us it is not possible to predict these interruptions sooner that it currently does.
During the hot summer months, Ware and Hinds asks its shareholders “to be judicious in their use of water and ‘help out’ the people downstream.” Silt is generally at the mercy of upstream users.
Irrigation in Silt
Some developments in Town, most notably Mesa View and Eagle’s View, have historically not brought enough water at annexation for their actual irrigation use. These developments are supplemented by water pumped from the original town site from other ditches by pumps working overtime to replenish the tanks. When water consumption in Town is more than the supply, the Town is unable to fill these tanks. It should be noted, according to Town officials, that much of this consumption is inappropriate and in some cases against Town Code.
Common inappropriate use includes homeowners watering on days other than their scheduled days, irrigating larger spaces than they have a right to irrigate and simply using more water than is necessary for their landscaping and gardens. Many homeowners also water on Fridays, which is designated as a “no watering” day so that tanks have a day to recover.
The Town’s irrigation system is not a beneficiary of any property tax. It is fully funded by use and tap fees, and grants for improvement projects.
The Town is currently investigating how it can deliver more original town site ditch water to neighborhoods at higher elevations. It is hoped that grant funding may be available for this purpose.
In the meantime, it is critical always that homeowners strictly observe their watering schedules so that there is enough water for as many citizens as possible. Citizens are also reminded that it is unlawful to use the Town of Silt treated water for irrigation of any kind.
How can homeowners help?
-The typical lawn only needs to be watered every 5 to 7 days in the summer. A good rain eliminates the need for water for up to two weeks.
-It is recommended to water your lawn in the early morning when the wind is at its lowest velocity and less evaporation due to lower temperatures.
-Position your water sprinklers to land on your lawn and not on the street, driveway or sidewalks.
-Frequently check your sprinkler systems and timing devices to make sure they are working correctly. Make sure everyone in the house knows how to turn off the sprinkler system in the event of rain.
-Water ONLY on your authorized water days!
Even Numbered Houses Saturday, Monday & Wednesday
Odd Numbered Houses Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday
NO watering on Fridays and NO use of drinking water for irrigation!
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