The City of Twin Falls says seasonal pressurized irrigation deliveries will end after the Twin Falls Canal Company closes its diversion gates at Milner Dam on Monday, October 19. The city posted the announcement October 13.
As canal water becomes unavailable, the city will shut down and winterize its canal-fed irrigation stations. Customers served by a station will not receive irrigation water after it shuts down until service resumes next spring, according to the city. Residents can check their subdivision’s station status at TFID.ORG by selecting “Pressurized Irrigation Update.”
The city says property owners are responsible for winterizing their own sprinkler systems. It maintains the pressurized irrigation pump stations and distribution system, while owners are responsible for filters and sprinkler systems beyond the first shutoff valve. The seasonal shutdown does not winterize individual properties’ systems, the city said.
The city advises customers to turn off their pressurized irrigation valve and automatic watering program, and remove remaining water from sprinkler lines. It says water left in pipes, valves and sprinkler heads can freeze and cause damage; a qualified irrigation professional can determine the appropriate winterization method, including whether lines should be blown out.
The city says its canal-fed system uses canal water for lawns and landscaping and reduces demand on the aquifer by more than 5 million gallons per day during summer. The irrigation water comes from an open canal system, is untreated and is not safe to drink, according to the announcement.
