Nampa & Meridian Irrigation District (NMID) is closely monitoring water supplies. While winter has provided some water supply it came in the form of rain. Reservoirs levels are above average for this time of year but there is limited snowpack. We are preparing the Ridenbaugh system for the 2026 irrigation season and will continue to closely monitor our water supply. NMID has determined that flows in the Ridenbaugh Canal could start as early as April 1 but not later than April 8. Once the actual turn-on date is selected, we will update our website. Please keep in mind it takes approximately 2 weeks to fill and test the entire irrigation system resulting in delivery to patrons in mid-to-late April.
While it has been a poor water supply winter, the weather has allowed NMID to accomplish several projects to improve the efficiency of the delivery system. NMID completed the west side of the Ridenbaugh Headworks Modernization Project. The Headworks are about 100 years old and in need of replacement. The remainder of this project is expected to be completed during the winter of 2026/2027. The modernized headworks will be automated which saves water and will allow the District to divert water from the Boise River for another 100+ years. Additionally, the mid-system spillway where the Ridenbaugh Canal flumes over the Ten-Mile Drain was rebuilt. Both projects utilized grant funding to reduce patron costs.
NMID utilizes rights of way to ensure that water is available throughout the system and to perform maintenance. Obstructions of any type will delay our work of operating and maintaining infrastructure. Please keep the right of ways open and obstruction free to ensure the water system is ready for timely deliveries.
CANAL SAFETY – Canals carry cold, fast-running water, and the water levels are always changing, creating unsafe conditions. Educate your children and keep them and your pets safe and away from the canals. Recreation in canals is not only hazardous but illegal as they are private property. Playing in a canal or along its banks is considered trespassing under Idaho law. Additional information can be found at IWUA.org.
As we prepare for the upcoming season, please find out who your water delivery agent is and write down the emergency contact numbers for use when needed. We remind Lateral Ditch User Associations to meet and discuss your rotation schedules and elect your Watermaster for the upcoming season. It is also a good time for residents with pressurized systems to clean or replace their filter and have their system ready to receive water.
NMID delivers irrigation water to approximately 69,000 acres of Treasure Valley agricultural and residential lands, including 523 subdivisions in Ada and Canyon counties. In 2026, the District will experience its 122st consecutive year of water deliveries to the Treasure Valley. If you live in Nampa and have pressurized irrigation delivery questions, please call City of Nampa Water Works Division at (208) 468-5860.
For more information about the District call (208) 466-7861.