2023 Irrigation Season

Full Pressurized Irrigation Expected by End of April

Irrigation districts are beginning to release water into our canal system and City of Nampa irrigation customers can expect to access full pressure for this service by the end of April. 

Crews will first need to test the lines, flush the system and bring ditch pumps online. Crews will work to ensure the water lines are functioning properly and may need to temporarily shut down a line for repair. These temporary closures are needed occasionally as crews work to bring the system to full operation and are a normal part of the process each year. 

Irrigation water supplied through our irrigation system is a necessary and critical resource to farmers, homeowners and businesses in our community. The City of Nampa receives the majority of its irrigation water from canals and ditches supplied from mountain reservoirs like Arrowrock, Lucky Peak and Anderson Ranch. Pumps draw water from the canals and ditches to provide pressurized service to customers. While subject to change, Nampa-Meridian Irrigation District plans to release water into the canals April 5, Pioneer Irrigation District on April 10, and Boise-Kuna Irrigation District no earlier than April 10. Depending on the number of repairs or maintenance related items needed, customers can expect full pressure on approximately April 28, 2023. The length of the irrigation season is dependent on water in the reservoirs and canals.

REMINDERS FOR IRRIGATION CUSTOMERS: 

• Nampa residents are asked to check the programming of their sprinkler control box to ensure they are not over-watering. 
• If customers notice a leak, they are encouraged to call the 24-hour hotline at 208-468-5860. Please know that, due to the volume of calls, it may be necessary to leave a voice message. Staff will return calls as soon as possible. 
• Customers requiring assistance setting a sprinkler control box are encouraged to contact a local landscaping professional. 
• Residents are also strongly encouraged to install their own shut-off valve to control sprinkler lines and are asked not to operate the city valve, as this is for emergency use only.  

Maintaining Nampa's Irrigation Infrastructure

To keep up with maintenance costs related to our pressurized irrigation system, a rate increase of 19.98% is needed and was approved by the Board of appraisers and Nampa City Council. Property Owners will see an average increase of $30 on their annual irrigation bill this year. The approximate increase, spread over the entire irrigation season is about $6 more per month. Investing in aging irrigation infrastructure will help prevent emergency breaks, which cost 7x more to replace than planned improvements. 

To view the mailer sent to customers, please click here.

To view the presentation proposing the irrigation rate to the Board of Appraisers and City Council, please click here.

A reminder to the City of Nampa water users: Please do not use potable (house) water to irrigate your lawn as it will increase the water and sewer charges to your utility bill.

Irrigation Districts

The majority of Nampa’s irrigation water comes in the canal system from Lucky Peak. The Pioneer Irrigation District and the Nampa Meridian Irrigation District manage most of the canals and ditches in Nampa. In some cases, these irrigation districts are solely responsible for the infrastructure leading to a customer’s property.

City of Nampa Pressurized Irrigation

In many subdivisions, the City of Nampa Waterworks Division is responsible for the pressurized irrigation pump stations, water main lines, and curb stop valves.

The service line, which is between the curb stop and the sprinkler head, belongs to the property owner. The City will not repair a customer’s service line.

Over Watering

Water is a valuable resource in our community, and for this reason over-watering violates our city code: Nampa City Codes Section 8-1-22 Waste of Irrigation Water

To report over-watering send us an email.

Watering Tips

Could you be overwatering? Read here. 

Also, read our Do-it-Yourself Water Check for the Home Landscape. 

Policy & Property Assessment Login

Read our Broken Curb Stop Policy

This policy is to address the issue of broken curb stops caused by anyone other than authorized City of Nampa employees. 

AFTER-HOUR EMERGENCIES ONLY: 

There is someone on call after normal business hours, 365 days per year (208) 468-5860.

Please Note: An emergency is any event that causes or threatens to cause damage to property, life or health. We understand your irrigation water is important to you. Please call the number above during normal business hours 8am-5pm Monday-Friday if you are experiencing water outages or low pressure and we will respond to you in a timely manner.