DITCH CLEANING 101

What is my responsibility to maintain on the lateral?

Property owners in Idaho are responsible for keeping the irrigation ditches and boxes on their properties free of debris, vegetation, or tree roots that could impair the flow of water downstream.

Here is a checklist for you to follow to ensure your ditches are clear, and your neighbors get their water too:

Step 1

Remove any leaves, trash, or other loose debris from any ditch, grate, or box on your property.

Step 2

Remove any rocks or loose gravel from the ditch, pipe, or box. Remove tree roots growing into the ditch.

Step 3

Pull, mow, burn, or dig out any plants growing inside the ditch and trim any bushes or trees growing over or into the ditch or over the easement, impeding access to the ditch.

NOTE: DO NOT use Roundup or other chemical weed killers, as they can be flushed downstream in the water, as well as destroy the vegetation that holds the ditch embankments in place.

Step 4

Dig out any areas of the ditch that have become filled in with dirt, shore up areas where the sides may have fallen in to avoid flooding.

For questions regarding maintenance, repairs, or other logistical matters, please contact:

Telara Oliver, FALWUA Ditch Rider

Phone: 208.450.3549

Email: fairviewacreswaterway@gmail.com

Ditch Repair Policies

Under Idaho Statutes Title 42 and the FALWUA Ditch Policy (adopted July 10, 1949), Property owners are responsible for keeping ditches, irrigation boxes, and pipes on their property clear and functional.

FALWUA is responsible for ensuring reliable irrigation water delivery across its 402-acre service area in Garden City. If a ditch, irrigation box, or pipe on your property becomes obstructed and disrupts water flow, FALWUA is obligated to take action to restore service.

We’ll make every effort to notify you, so you have the opportunity to review and address the issues.

If the issue isn’t resolved, FALWUA will have no choice but to perform the cleaning, and you will be billed for the work on your property.

Fees if FALWUA must perform the services on your behalf are:

$50.00 for the first hour or any part thereof.
$50.00 each additional hour billed on the ½ hour
Pipe clearing by contractor (e.g., Roto-Rooter) – Rates vary and will be passed along.

Please note that any leaves, debris, or clutter removed from the ditch will be placed on your property, away from the bank. Disposal of this material will be your responsibility.

Non-payment may result in penalties and interest as outlined in Idaho Statute 42-1304.