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LOGAN -- Farmers in Cache County are dealing with a water shortage following the weekend failure of the Logan Northern Canal.
The canal was one of the main carriers of irrigation water to areas like Hyde Park, North Logan and Smithfield. With temperatures rising, farmers are worried they won't have enough water for their crops.
"We have one system that's totally dependent on the Logan Northern Canal; another that's 50 to 60 percent dependent on the canal," said Jeff Gittins, president of the Smithfield Irrigation Company.
Gittins says the water masters jumped into action. In a few short days, they've rigged new piping to carry water into fields that would otherwise be completely dry.
They've also turned on the six available pumps in the area and diverted water from springs into the dry canals. But even with the changes, people still have to use less.
"I would project the irrigation use is probably cut back 20 percent, average," Gittins said.
The cooperation comes, in part, due to the severity of the situation. It's a critical time for alfalfa and corn.
"A reduced yield equals an economic loss, and that's really serious because the input costs -- fertilizer, seed, land preparation -- they've already been paid for this season," said Clark Israelsen, Utah State University agricultural agent for Cache County.
There are things to be grateful for, however. Due to the wet spring, creeks that normally would be dry this time of year have water. People are also working together, sharing a limited and critical resource.
"It takes good people to take turns with water, but that's happening and it's getting done," Gittins said.
One of the keys to all this is that the water from mountain streams keeps flowing because the temperatures haven't risen too fast. If the streams dry up, officials say that could mean even more cutbacks.
Meanwhile, there are also concerns about homeowners watering their lawns. USU's extension horticulture department says many people now must use culinary water on their lawns and gardens, which can get very expensive.
Department officials are advising homeowners to cut back on their water use. They say as little as a half-inch of water per month can keep a lawn alive. It will brown on the top, but the root will stay alive.
[CLICK HERE for more watering tips from USU]
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
