The Town of Oliver is encouraging farmers to conserve irrigation water.
The Town of Oliver is urging farmers to think about conserving irrigation water.
The Gallagher Lake Siphon repair was completed in April and the irrigation system has been working well since its completion. But water conservation is important as peak usage approaches.
Town staff have been monitoring the system; taking measurements at the siphon and looking at operational changes to determine if it can accommodate peak water use capacities in the driest and hottest days of the season, which are coming. However, it cannot tell exactly what the limits are until it gets closer to peak water usage.
“We are asking that all farmers monitor their water usage for the summer and use only what is needed so we don’t maximize the irrigation system to its limited capacity,” the Town says. “If we cannot accommodate the peak usage, farmers will see water pressure drop and will not able to irrigate their lands properly.”
As a result, the Town would have to restrict some usage to allow the demands to drop so it can accommodate all customers adequately.
The Town of Oliver says it appreciates the farmers’ understanding and wishes them a bountiful season.
