2023 Burnett Irrigation Ditch - RCPP in Idaho

Project Information

Lead Partner: Butte Soil and Water Conservation District

Supporting Partners: Big Lost River Irrigation District, Burnett Water Users

Lead State: ID

Primary Resource Concern: Source water depletion

Total Funding Request: $3,658,537.00

Project Summary

The Butte Soil and Water Conservation District will address Irrigation efficiencies, surface/ground water source protection, and improving aquatic habitat. This will be accomplished by enclosing the 11 miles of open ditch to a closed pipeline system. The Burnett Irrigation Ditch project will reduce surface water shrink and evaporation within the canal, in turn reducing division rates which will increase flows in the Big Lost River that support a unique population of Mountain White Fish. Ground water will be saved by delivering surface water efficiently, which will allow producers to shut supplemental ground water wells off saving aquifer levels. Secondary resource concerns will be addressed by reduced conveyance of weed seed source through an open ditch to downstream user’s properties, eliminating a source of noxious and invasive pest pressure. The system generates enough elevation fall from the natural topography that pumping horsepower can be reduced, possibly even eliminated. Power generated on the closed pipeline will reduce greenhouse gasses by reducing or eliminating the load placed on these pumping stations.