August 2022 --- Due to the ongoing drought situation and our dwindling water supply it will be necessary for shareholders to take steps to reduce the amount of water that is being used.
Shareholders with residential connections must comply with the odd/even watering days based on street address. In addition, to meet the water usage reduction needed:
- you may skip one watering day per week,
- reduce watering time,
- discontinue watering some areas,
- or a combination of these approaches to reach approximately a 30 percent reduction in water use.
Agricultural users will likewise need to reduce the amount of water being used by limiting watering time, reducing the number of sprinkler heads, or lines being used, etc. Please focus on your own watering habits and not your neighbors because not everyone has the same number of water shares. It is important to remember that shareholders are entitled to a proportional amount of the water that is available. If you have only 1/3 or ½ of an A share, the amount of water that represents may only allow for a few hours of watering per week.
If you have questions please contact the watermaster or the director over your system.
Water Conservation and Stewardship Policy
March 1, 2022
Smithfield Irrigation Company
It has always been the policy of the Smithfield Irrigation Company to encourage thoughtful use of our water resources. Based on continuing drought conditions and slow recovery of groundwater, the company board of directors makes the following suggestions for irrigation water use during the upcoming irrigation season:
- Start irrigation at the earliest convenient time based on crop and/or landscape needs. This practice normally allows water use before wells need to be started. In addition, water pressure and availability are usually greatest during the early irrigation season. This is also the best time to fill the soil profile since plant water demand is lowest early in the season.
- Spend time to make sure that irrigation lines and distribution systems are in good repair before the irrigation season starts. Changing leaking rainbirds and replacing worn nozzles will benefit all water users. Nozzles and gaskets are cheap, but pumping water is expensive.
- Be a good neighbor. If you irrigate using the city system irrigate only on even numbered days if your house number ends in an even number. If your house number ends with an odd number, then irrigate only on odd number days. This helps maintain adequate line pressure in the city system.
- For agricultural users, be aware of water use by other irrigators on irrigation main lines that service your fields. Twelve-hour irrigation sets are adequate for most crops, but irrigation frequency may be shorter for some soil types. Check with the water master for the best time to start and let him know when you anticipate finishing. A little planning may prevent the need to start a well.
- Please remember that irrigation water is delivered on a “share” basis. This means that water users are entitled to their “share” portion of available water at any time during the irrigation season. Based on available water, the irrigation board or the water master may need to curtail water delivery as stream flows decrease.
- During the irrigation season, the company will randomly measure water use in individual delivery systems to ensure proportional water distribution.
Thank you for your cooperation as shareholders in the Smithfield Irrigation Company. If you have suggestions or concerns about irrigation water issues, please contact us.
Pat Draper (President and E System/City Director) (435) 764-0185
Dennis Thornley (B System Director) (435) 232-1167
Chris Chambers (C System Director) (435) 770-0541
Robert Gunnell (D System Director) (435) 512-6438
Lyle Coleman (A System Director/Water Master) (435) 512-2035
Darren Evans (Blue Stakes Supervisor) (435) 757-8160
LuAnn Hansen (Secretary) (435) 770-0213
www.smithfieldirrigation.com