Story Published: Aug 20, 2010 at 7:13 AM PST
Story Updated: Aug 20, 2010 at 7:13 AM PST
The Bureau of Reclamation awarded just under $190,000 to help LOID install flow meters at irrigation delivery points.
LOID Financial Officer Jo Ann Cole-Hansen said the installation has been in the works for quite some time.
"Back in 2004 the district wrote a water conservation plan," said Cole-Hansen. "Part of the water conservation plan for the irrigation side was to install irrigation meters throughout the district to try and give patrons control of their water supply."
Cole-Hansen said the flow meters allow customers to use water when they feel it's needed and not be confined to specified dates or times. LOID will track water usage and report back to consumers to ensure they are not going over their allotted amount.
"We anticipate we will be on water restrictions, probably in the future," said Cole-Hansen. "This federal funding that you see will help us buy the irrigation meters, get them installed and get the control back to the customer who need their water, but allow us to manage that diminishing supply."
LOID has received a number of grants for this project, but this is one of the largest. It will allow them to install around 500 new digital meters.The meters are read through wireless radio, which will help cut costs and time needed to read them.
