August 27, 2026 News
OMID Water Supply Update
August 27, 2026
Due to all efforts explained in previous posts, with the support and actions of our water users and partnering agencies, we have been successful in extending our water supplies through the end of August. With all our supplemental water supplies now being depleted we are being faced with the anticipated worst-case scenario. Through existing agreements and contracts, Orchard Mesa Irrigation District (OMID) and Grand Valley Water Users Association (GVWUA) will execute the 2 week on/off alternating plan given the natural river flows.
- On the morning of the September 17th OMID will stop receiving water from the river, allowing GVWUA to service their system September 17th – October 1st.
- On the morning of October 1st OMID will receive available water for 2 weeks through October 15th, this will be the end of OMID’s 2026 irrigation season.
This is based on the assumptions that the monsoonal moisture forecast does not develop. If storms do produce, we will update with any adjustments needed to our systems. We will provide notification as timely as possible with any updates in our operational plans.
In preparation of the forecasted river flows at Cameo on Monday August 31st OMID will once again pinch and measure headgates. We will adjust all headgates that are open to bring the canal levels up to facilitate better deliveries through the headgates. We are noting where each headgate is and what adjustment is made. The red tags will remain in force and will be adjusted to just below the 100% allocation. Should additional tighter adjustments be necessary throughout the 2-week period, those adjustments will be noted in real time.
There are 420 headgates, this takes time for OMID crew to touch every headgate on 43 miles of ditch. The drought is proving to be labor intensive for everyone, and we all must be creative and adjust as needed. OMID appreciates the patience and understanding of the water users as we have been working through this difficult and unprecedented year.
Orchard Mesa Irrigation District
Jackie Fisher – Manager