March 25, 2024 — The Nevada Irrigation District (NID) requested on Friday a 20% voluntary water reduction from all customers for the rest of 2024. Extensive repairs to water infrastructure in the Sierra Nevadas by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) have temporarily severed NID’s water supply. The repairs are estimated to be completed by mid-June.

“We’ll have to depend on limited water storage at the start of the irrigation season,” said NID General Manager Jennifer Hanson. “Emergency conservation will be needed from all water customers.”

This situation will impact water deliveries, reduce lake levels, affect summer recreation, and limit hydroelectric power generation. NID is asking irrigation customers to delay water use and all raw water customers to reduce their purchase allotments.

Customers who voluntarily reduce their usage will receive credits and will not lose priority for future water purchases. NID emphasizes that any delay in PG&E’s repair schedule could lead to mandatory water restrictions.

“We’re working with PG&E to expedite repairs,” Hanson said. “In the meantime, we deeply appreciate your conservation efforts.”

Image:

Placer County Water Association, Nevada Irrigation District Ditch 2013, Chris English via Wikimedia Commons.