The Bostwick Irrigation District Office in Red Cloud recently distributed a newsletter to farmers served by the district.
At the time the newsletter was written, the elevation of Harlan County Reservoir was 1.939.3 feet above sea level which is near the current elevation. This elevation should provide 40,000 acre feet of irrigation water during 2024. At the current time, the district anticipates 7 acre-inches will be available for irrigation in 2024. However, if the spring turns wet, this allotment could be increased.
The district in conjunction with the State of Nebraska applied for and received a WaterSmart grant which is expected to reduce inefficiencies on the east end of the Superior Canal. The project is currently in the design and permitting stage. Construction is scheduled to begin this summer,
The district plans to construct a diversion dam and pumping station in the river south of the Aurora Cooperative’s Superior East Elevator. The water diverted from the river will be pumped into the canal approximately one-half mile east of Superior. It is expected this procedure will reduce the loss of water that currently has to be diverted through about 40 miles of canal before reaching the irrigators below Superior.
When completed, it is estimated the project will save 3 to 4 thousand acre feet of water per year which is about 10 percent of the water now expected to be available district wide in 2024.
Reader Comments(0)