TCID Annual Water Meeting Update

by Leanna Lehman -- During the annual water users meeting this week, TCID general manager, Rusty Jardine, announced that precautionary draw-downs started Tuesday, March 26^th, in an effort to stabilize lake levels as warmer weather approaches. With high moisture levels and overall wet conditions, Jardine reminded water users that they do not have to use their entire allotment if the water is not needed. “Don’t think you have to use your water if the ground is wet,” stated Jardine. Nevada law protects against water forfeiture unless water righted property is abandoned. To access information regarding the current amount of flow along with how and where it is being distributed, water users can access www.tcid.info. Additionally, TCID will not be releasing spread water this year, (water not included in the yearly allocation delivered at no cost). According to Jardine, this year’s goal is to have excess water in store at Lahontan at end of the season on reserve for next year. In anticipation of higher than average water levels, TCID has been working through the winter to ensure optimum flows through the canal system. Although TCID resources and staff are limited, they are making a concerted effort to get drains cleaned. “Some areas have in excess of 3 or 4 feet of buildup,” explained Cody Biggs, TCID maintenance-construction manager. Keeping the canal system clean is a large scale project, but it will ultimately help balance the water inflow and outflow. Another concern for TCID and the Board of Directors is the structural integrity of the canal system. Maintaining and repairing the aging infrastructure is a top priority. There are approximately 700 miles of canals, laterals, and drains that make up the Carson district. Upgrades and rehabilitation are needed, but will be costly. In response to the growing concerns about canal conditions, TCID is currently engaged in conversations with the Family Farm Alliance ad will be petitioning Congress for assistance. TCID is under contract with Sierra Pacific Power Company, NV Energy, for the sale of hydroelectric power produced at Lahontan Dam. However, thirty years into the fifty-year contract term, energy rates from the plant are being reduced from $.072 an hour to less than $.005 which will result in a significant annual revenue reduction. A good water year will generate nearly a million dollars in revenue at the current rate. TCID estimates the reduction to only generate $200-$300K which is not sufficient to operate the hydroelectric plant. This revenue helps run and maintain TCID and keeps O&M costs down for water users. Solar has taken a major place on the energy playing field since the hydro contract was drafted. “As solar grows, a largely subsidized industry, prices of electricity from other sources have been driven down,” stated Eric Olsen, TCID Board President. Terms of the contact allow TCID to terminate the agreement at any time, however, after extensive efforts to do so, Sierra Pacific Power remains uncooperative, according to Jardine. Having exhausted all efforts to negotiate a better rate or end the contract, the TCID board voted to engage William Peterson, Esq. with Snell & Wilmer in Reno to pursue legal action if no remedy is secured. Board members and Jardine agree this revenue stream is critical to the district and must be protected. Water Master, Kelly Herwick, announced that the process for ordering and receiving water is the same as last year. The water schedule is posted at www.tcid.info so users can see what the water delivery looks like in their area and water orders can be placed at www.tcid.org 72 hours to two weeks ahead of need. Herwick also stated that each takeout must be included in your water order. If all take outs are not included, users could inadvertently be charged for excess water. At present, 1,101 head of cattle were approved for grazing in the Carson Lake grazing area, about 59% of the amount applied for. Local ranchers using the pasture expressed concerns about some of the problems they are experiencing with the Bureau of Reclamation.  Rob Martinez, BOR Newlands coordinator will be working to resolve these issues with the hope of having more information available at the next scheduled TCID board meeting, Tuesday, April 2nd. According to the Carson River Basin forecast, the expected volume in Lake Lahontan during the April - July forecast period is about 300,000 acre feet (af), nearly double the 30-year average of 155,000. The volume during the high water year of 2017 was 545,000 acre feet, so similar flooding is not anticipated. The area has also not encountered the rapid snowmelt of 2017, allowing for a more controlled water release. Jardine said the board is optimistic about the coming irrigation season and the ability to address water users’ needs and concerns. The district responded to 320 trouble calls last year and is working to assist water users as much as possible. Information will be released on the action against Sierra Pacific Power as it is obtained and TCID is reviewing other revenue sources to keep water costs as low as possible.