Caldwell Urges Conservation Amid Limited Irrigation Supply

Published on April 14, 2026

Due to record dry winter conditions and a below-normal snowpack across the Treasure Valley, the Caldwell Municipal Irrigation District (CMID) is preparing for a challenging season. Here is what you need to know and be prepared for:

• Lower pressure: Expect reduced delivery and lower-than-normal flows.
• Shortened season: There is a possibility the season may end early.
• No billing credits will be given for a shortened season: Please note that season-long fixed rates apply regardless of water availability or season length. In Idaho, assessments pay for access to the system, not a guaranteed amount of water.

To keep pump stations from overloading and shutting down, we recommend an odd/even watering schedule:

• Odd address? Water on odd-numbered days. Even address? Water on even-numbered days. Some types of sprinkler timers have an odd/even setting or just make sure it is set to water every other day.
• Pro-tip: During a drought in Idaho, run sprinklers 30-45 minutes per zone, 2-3 times per week to encourage deep roots, targeting 1-2 inches of water per week. Instead, use the cycle and soak method, multiple short sessions, to reduce runoff in dry soil. Watering every other day actually helps your lawn grow deeper roots and become more drought-tolerant!

Pump Station Policies:

• During business hours: Repairs to main lines and leaks take priority over restarting pump stations. We’ll get to the pumps as soon as a technician is free.
• After dark: For the safety of our crew, pump restarts are considered non-emergencies. If a station goes down at night, we will restart it the following morning.

We will post updates throughout the season as information becomes available. Check our website for the latest details: Caldwell Municipal Irrigation District | City of Caldwell, Idaho

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us manage this critical water situation.