Why are there so many canals and ditches in urban areas?
Southern Idaho has an arid climate. Early settlers discovered that water could be diverted from rivers and streams and applied to fields for crops that otherwise could not be grown. Canals/ditches were constructed to convey water from the Boise River to the fields. Many towns and cities in the Treasure Valley are growing and expanding into areas that were originally irrigated crop land. Homes are built next to irrigation facilities as a result of this expansion. The canals and ditches must remain to convey water to lands which are entitled to its use, many of which are located in and adjacent to urban/suburban areas. About your irrigation district assessment Under Idaho law, the District assesses land inside its boundaries to help pay for the operation and maintenance of the District’s water storage, drainage and distribution system. Assessments for each tract of land are based upon the land’s water rights. Idaho law specifies that the assessment becomes a legal obligation of the land
