Volume 2 Issue 10 November/December 2011
When Washington State set new water quality standards that impacted the Roza and Sunnyside Irrigation Districts, district managers were concerned with the possibility of state officials entering private land for the purposes of enforcement. Instead, the districts worked to implement a locally governed program to monitor water quality standard compliance that has been well-received […]
Volume 2 Issue 9 October 2011
Successful irrigation district managers are, by necessity, successful planners. The theme of this issue of Irrigation Leader is long-term planning and how various districts, states, and laws use and promote a forward-thinking outlook to irrigation system management. This issue’s lead interview with Bryant Startin, general manager of Wyoming’s Shoshone Irrigation District (SID), is a […]
Volume 2 Issue 8 September 2011
The underlying theme of this issue of Irrigation Leader is technology and how it can be used to solve a myriad of water-related problems. It has been my continued observation that irrigation district general managers, like the farmers they deliver water to, embrace technology and change. The challenges of their jobs demand it, as […]
Volume 2 Issue 7 July/August 2011
This issue of Irrigation Leader contains articles that underscore the resourcefulness of irrigation districts, as well as others responsible for the care and management of water, in their collective effort to solve today’s complex supply challenges. In his interview, David Koland tells us how his district simply decided to move forward with its own […]
Volume 2 Issue 6 June 2011
Whether an irrigation district general manager is facing an Endangered Species Act (ESA) issue for the first time or has been working on such issues for years, it is helpful to know how others have developed solutions to these often complex problems. It is especially important to share lessons learned and determine which components […]
Volume 2 Issue 5 May 2011
Craig Simpson is serious about solving water problems. As general manager of the East Columbia Irrigation District, he initiated an effort that resulted in the construction of the Weber Branch and Weber Coulee Siphons, critical infrastructure necessary to supply irrigation water to thousands of acres. Such projects do not happen easily, but require the […]
Volume 2 Issue 4 April 2011
Russell Patras is a great tour guide for the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California. Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the MWD Colorado River Aqueduct Inspection Trip, sponsored by the Desert Water Agency (DWA) of Palm Springs. With Russell as our guide, our tour began at the DWA offices in […]
Volume 2 Issue 3 March 2011
Standing in the back of the meeting room during the Family Farm Alliance annual conference in Las Vegas in February, I observed two things. The first was that there was record attendance, as nearly every chair was filled. The second was that every irrigation district manager or board member I spoke with had a […]
Volume 2 Issue 2 February 2011
The number of challenges facing irrigation districts and other water suppliers continues to grow. Urbanization, aging infrastructure, invasive species, and limited water supplies are some of the most difficult. This issue of Irrigation Leader discusses many of those challenges and takes a look at the solutions developed by individuals, irrigation districts, and some private […]
Volume 2 Issue 1 January 2011
Infrastructure can solve a lot of water problems. Litigation will always have its place in water, and state water law primacy and water rights must be defended whole heartedly. No exceptions. However, the true resolution of a water dispute occurs when all interested parties receive the water they need. That is a simple statement, […]