Farmers across southern Idaho are facing a difficult growing season after the Twin Falls Canal Company reduced water deliveries in response to persistent drought and a historically weak snowpack that has left regional reservoirs well below normal capacity.
The company lowered per-acre water delivery rates from five-eighths of an inch to half an inch per acre — a reduction of roughly one-third compared to what growers typically receive in an average year. In strong water years, the system delivers three-quarters of an inch per acre.
Reservoirs Running Short, Snake River at Historic Low
Jay Barlogi, General Manager of the Twin Falls Canal Company, said the region essentially skipped winter this year, leaving both reservoirs and the Snake River in poor condition heading into the irrigation season. The canal company’s reservoir system, which normally holds around 235,000 acre-feet of water, is not expected to reach full capacity this year.
“The reservoir system is not going to fill this year,” Barlogi said. “We’re looking at 200,000 acre feet of water — about 15% less water in our storage system.”
Barlogi noted that storage represents only about 20 percent of the company’s total water right, meaning farmers will need to carefully manage every drop available to them throughout the growing season.
Many producers anticipated the shortfall and adjusted their planting decisions accordingly, opting against water-intensive crops. Even so, Barlogi acknowledged the season ahead will be challenging for irrigators throughout the service area.
“They’re going to have to juggle two-thirds of their normal water supply around their farm,” he said, “to make sure they can keep everything wet and finish their crops.”
City of Twin Falls Issues Conservation Guidelines
The City of Twin Falls is asking residents on pressurized irrigation systems to follow a conservation watering schedule tied to address numbers. Properties with even-numbered addresses should water on even-numbered calendar dates, while odd-numbered addresses should water on odd-numbered dates. City officials are urging compliance to help stretch available supplies through the summer.
Barlogi’s message to water users in the region was straightforward: preparation, not optimism, must drive planning decisions this year.
“We hope that things improve, but we can’t make decisions based on hope,” he said. “We’re planning for the worst and hoping for the best.”
What Comes Next
The Twin Falls Canal Company will continue monitoring reservoir levels and Snake River flows as the irrigation season progresses. How the remaining snowmelt plays out and whether any late-season precipitation arrives will determine whether conditions stabilize or deteriorate further. Farmers and municipalities alike are being asked to conserve now to protect water availability through the critical late-summer growing period. Residents connected to pressurized irrigation systems in Twin Falls should review the city’s current watering schedule and adjust accordingly. For broader statewide water and drought coverage, visit Idaho News.