Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) allows the Hood River Basin irrigation season to begin April 15th and end September 30th. FID is not allowed to deliver water for irrigation purposes outside of that date range. In early April, District irrigation crews assess moisture levels throughout the District to estimate when specific area soils and crops will most likely require water. The irrigation system is then charged accordingly, and in response to grower demand.

In order to make best use of your dollars and our valley's water supply, know your crop/plants and watch the weather. Over-watering, especially during spring, can be as damaging as under-watering. Every bit of water saved helps our community. Please make sure that you know your water right amount and how much water flows through your sprinklers. Outdated models of sprinklers like the "butterfly" and other models with large orifices are prime examples of wasteful sprinklers. Overwatering can also cause erosion and unnecessary runoff which can devalue a property. With the advent of micro-technology sprinklers, available via the District's sprinkler exchange program or from local irrigation supply companies, low flow sprinkler heads are readily available and highly encouraged. To obtain more information about best-practice irrigation techniques and micro-sprinklers, also see our Resources page.

Calculating Your Water Right

The flow rate for your property is based on the number of "water right acres" assigned to your property. These "water right acres" will not be the same as your land acres. They can be found on your FID bill, or by calling the office.

In a normal year, the maximum amount of water you are allowed to apply on your property will be your "water right acres" times 5.61 gallons per minute. So if you have 0.1 "water right acres", you are allowed to apply 0.56 gallons per minute. And if you have 2.4 "water right acres", you are allowed to apply 13.5 gallons per minute.

• 2026 water restrictions: Sections of FID's service area are (or will be) required to limit watering to 75% of their normal water right (4.2 gallons per minute per "water right acre"). If you have 0.1 "water right acres", you are allowed to apply 0.42 gallons per minute. And if you have 2.4 "water right acres", you are allowed to apply 10.1 gallons per minute.
  • Ways to reduce your water use to 75% of normal can include:
    • Operating fewer sprinklers at any one time.
    • Turning on fewer watering zones at any one time.
    • Swapping out sprinkler heads/nozzles for lower flow options.

To get started learning more about water use in Farmers Irrigation District, see our FAQs page. If you would like more information on how to calculate the amount of water to which you are entitled, or if you have any problems with water supply, system connections, or any other irrigation questions or comments, please call (541) 387-5261.