Farmers Irrigation District urges conservation amid severe drought

Facing “severe drought” conditions across its service area, Farmers Irrigation District is urging patrons to curb water use by at least 25% to help stretch limited supplies through the end of irrigation season.

The district warns that users on the Highline system may experience fluctuating flows when demand outpaces supply and asks irrigators to limit consumption “as much as possible.”  

The appeal follows broader guidance issued earlier in the season by Hood River Valley irrigation districts, which asked water users to voluntarily reduce consumption by about 15% to mitigate the risk of summer shortages after an early snowmelt.