As we move ahead into the 2026 irrigation season, Burley Irrigation District wants to encourage all water users to be mindful and efficient with water use. While there has been discussion that there is “plenty of water,” that message can be misleading without important context.

At this time, BID is not in a panic situation, but conservation and smart water management are extremely important. One of the major reasons our current outlook is stable is because BID carried over essentially all of its Palisades storage from last year — a supply that historically we seldom rely upon. That carryover storage may ultimately be what helps get us through this season.

Carryover water is one of the most critical parts of our water right system because it directly impacts the ability to refill reservoirs for future irrigation seasons. With continued uncertainty surrounding long-term snowpack conditions, every acre-foot we are able to conserve and carry over becomes increasingly important.

This year, the reservoir system went onto full storage operations in mid-April, likely one of the earliest transitions on record. Traditionally, the “date of allocation” — the point when the reservoir system is no longer receiving meaningful natural flow — occurs sometime in June and occasionally extends into July. This year, that date could occur as early as April depending on how quickly the remaining mountain snowpack melts and runs off.

BID is asking all water users to continue being thoughtful and responsible with water use throughout the season. Small conservation efforts across the system can make a meaningful difference both this year and in the years ahead.