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Canal Safety

The irrigation canals operated by Arnold Irrigation District are designed to deliver non-potable water for irrigation purposes and are not intended for recreation or other uses. Do not enter irrigation canals for any reason including, without limitation, swimming, wading, floating, fishing, or bathing.  Irrigation waters are not treated and should not be used for drinking.

Although irrigation canals may appear suitable for such uses, currents generated by water flowing through canals are capable of pulling even strong swimmers underwater, water depths and flow rates can change rapidly without warning, it can be difficult to exit a canal if people or animals falls in, and underwater debris and irrigation structures present risk of entrapment.

The canals and ditch roads maintained by Arnold Irrigation District are closed to public access. The safest choice is to stay out and away from canals at all times.

A sign indicating that swimming is not allowed, featuring a swimmer icon with a red prohibition symbol.
A sign that prohibits animals, featuring a red circle with a diagonal line over the text "NO ANIMALS ALLOWED."
An animated boy, surprised and falling, is about to land in a river while his hiking pole flies away. Mountain backdrop.

 

Stay Safe Around Canals

  • Never swim, wade, float, fish, bathe, or play in irrigation canals.
  • Keep children, pets, and livestock away from canal banks and flowing water.
  • Stay away from canal banks to avoid falling into canals.
  • Respect all posted warning signs, gates, fences, and restricted-access areas.

By staying out of the canals and remaining alert around irrigation facilities, you can help prevent accidents and protect yourself, your family, and your community.