West Idaho Irrigators Forced to Conserve Water

CALDWELL, Idaho (AP) — The dry winter season is forcing managers of one southwest Idaho irrigation district to impose water delivery cutbacks. Pioneer Irrigation District officials in Caldwell say they will reduce water deliveries to customers by 30 percent this year.

District Water Superintendent Mark Zirschky says the cuts will help stretch water reserves up to 90 days — or until the middle of August. The district's irrigation season typically lasts until early October.

A dry winter and spring and low snowpack levels in the region are to blame for the water reductions. District officials are also asking users to help conserve water during the growing season.