Arnold Irrigation District may be able to deliver water until Sept. 30, but rise in Main Canal piping costs will delay work
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Arnold Irrigation District told patrons Thursday it's likely they can keep delivering water through at least Sept. 30. But they also said costs for the Main Canal Piping Project have risen substantially since initial approval, so more federal and state funds will be sought to finish the work.
Here's the communication summary sent to district patrons, also including an update on several gates planned to prevent unauthorized access to the pipeline access road, and nearly 200 acres of irrigation rights available for sale:
August 14, 2025
Dear Patrons,
As of August 10th, AID had not used any of its stored water in Crane Prairie Reservoir over the past month. This suggests that AID will likely be able to continue delivering water through at least September 30th. As always, significant changes in river flows or use by senior water right holders could alter this outlook. The Board will continue to monitor water availability and will keep you informed if the season can be extended beyond September 30th.
Construction costs for the Main Canal Piping Project have increased significantly since 2018-2019, when the project was originally approved and grant amounts were established. As a result, the District must secure additional federal and state funding to complete construction. The funding process will take some time to complete, so it seems likely there will be no major construction on the main canal pipeline for at least the winter of 2025-2026.
In our last communication, we reported that AID will be installing gates at several locations to control access to the pipeline access road, in response to reports from patrons and neighbors about unauthorized traffic. The District is currently finalizing a contract for the installation, which is anticipated to begin on September 8th.
Additionally, an extra layer of gravel will be added to the access road in the recently completed Phase 2 segment. This will help reduce dust and improve traction and durability. District management expects the gravel to be applied by the end of the irrigation season.
As a reminder, for any Patrons or interested neighbors within reach of AID’s water delivery system who would like to expand or establish new irrigation rights, the District has almost 200 acres of irrigation rights available for sale. The District acquired these rights, primarily from parcels within or near Bend’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), which no longer require irrigation or cannot be efficiently served due to Bend’s growth. These rights are now available for resale, and the office can provide more details.
We will continue to keep you updated on the water outlook and other matters affecting District operations.
Sincerely, Bob Schuur President, AID Board of Directors
