4/28/2024 

Dear Patrons:

We are sorry to inform you that we have a new canal system issue that will further delay getting water to your delivery points.

 On the morning of April 28, 2024, it was discovered during filling of the project pipeline that the butterfly valve at the east end of the main canal pipeline, which has been functioning without problem, was not operating as anticipated and the valve was taking more effort to turn than it should.  It appears that this issue was also affecting the ability of the valve to pass irrigation water to the lower end of the system. As a result, there was the potential for a breach in the canal from water backing up and overflowing the canal banks.  In order to prevent a breach, we closed the inflow gate at the Deschutes River.

To investigate the cause of this issue, the engineers for the project have recommended that the pipe be drained, and the new butterfly valve accessed to determine what has caused the butterfly valve to malfunction.  This will require draining and pumping the pipe out, starting today, Sunday, April 28th and through the morning of Monday, April 29th.  The valve may then be inspected and a resolution to the butterfly valve issue(s) will be developed. We will implement the steps needed to resolve the issue, followed by re-filling the pipe and starting the AID irrigation water flowing again.

Once again, our apologies for the delay.  We will inform you as soon as we have a plan to resolve the issue with the valve and an estimate of when water will begin reaching your point of delivery.

Colin Wills

District Manager