TEN WAYS IRRIGATION DELIVERY ENTITIES CAN HELP RESTORE CLEAN WATER AND SALMON

• Enhance water measurement capabilities at the point of diversion from the stream, at the head of each canal or lateral, and at farm delivery points. Water use measurement allows resource managers to develop greater understanding of how water is being used and to integrate that into management. Using only as much water as is needed leaves more water instream, where fish and other aquatic species depend on regular water flows to survive.

• Ensure delivery system workers are trained to read and record the output of gauging stations for the purposes of monitoring and maintaining the stations. The people working directly with the resource often are most capable to identify new methods to improve efficiency and save money, time and resources.

• Consider consulting with the Oregon Water Resources Congress about funding resources to improve your measurement capabilities. Investing in measurement improvements will pay off through immediate and long-term water conservation, helping to protect our aquatic resources for future generations.

• Install and maintain fish screens at points of diversion. Protecting young fish from entering a diversion will help depressed fish populations to recover.

• Invest in developing a water management, or "conservation" plan for long-term use. Developing a management plan will expand your access to management tools and funding sources to help maximize the efficiency of your water use, while ensuring adequate instream flows for fish and aquatic life.

• Help water users anticipate needs and identify tools by putting conservation and water quality guidelines in place. Your customers can integrate their individual conservation actions into community-wide restoration efforts with your leadership.

• Employ conservation techniques to stabilize and enhance the water supply, such as instream leases, canal lining, enclosed piping, changing points of diversion and other management tools. Innovative conservation practices can help conserve water and benefit aquatic life with little impact to water users.

• Consider alternative approaches during development and implementation of water quality plans to meet Total Maximum Daily Load requirements. Look at comprehensive IMP planning (integrated pesticide management) and educate on safe herbicide use and alternative tools for vegetation management. Good water quality is everyone’s business, and it’s your opportunity to create innovative approaches.

• Work with local county and city planning agencies to develop and protect your access easements under state and federal law. Adequate protection of your easements will enhance your efforts and ability to keep water clean and available.

• Consider forming new irrigation districts to help water users combine their resources and efforts. The more users work together to manage resources, the more effectively we can meet the needs of both people and aquatic species.