South Columbia Basin Irrigation District extends 2026 Irrigation Season

October 9, 2026

The South Columbia Basin Irrigation District (S.C.B.I.D.) board of directors voted to extend the 2026 irrigation season.

While water shut off was set for October 16, the extension will provide water through Friday, October 23. The extension will provide much needed water for agricultural production in this dry season.

The Bureau of Reclemation's October water forecast, thier final for the season, shows September precipitation for the five reservoirs that supply the Columbia Basin's irrigation was over 125 percent of normal, and the bodies of water are 66 percent capacity.

S.C.B.I.D. reported they will drain the system beginning Monday, October 26, stating, "Ditchriders will colse all farm unit and water service contract turnouts as they begin draining the canal system."

S.C.B.I.D. stated if there are any questions on the water shutoff dates to direct them to your watermaster office or the district office at (509)547-1735. They remind their over 7,200 customers to also use the district office number for emergencies outside of normal business hours, following the prompts to reach your watermaster.