Improving Fort Shaw Irrigation District Water Efficiency (2014) Fort Shaw Irrigation District (FSID)

Ackley Lake Location

Fort Shaw Irrigation District History

  • Infrastructure largely built in 1907-1908 as a component of the Fort Shaw Division of the Sun River Project, Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
  • Primary purpose: Irrigation
  • Acres Irrigated: 10,000 (approx.)
  • Number if users: 177 (approx.)
  • Total Diversion: 225 cfs (approx.) from Fort Shaw Diversion Dam
  • Primary Diversion Point: Sun River

Project History

In 1982, the USBR reviewed the FSID’s infrastructure status and determined many areas of repair that were necessary to increase efficiencies. In particular, the USBR report explained, seepage loss and project inefficiencies have rendered the canal in the district to have 46% efficiency. This loss was apparent in the boggy areas and high salinity areas. However, due to size of district, low net crop return and limited funding, improvements to efficiencies and infrastructure had been minimal since the 1982 review.

This project upgraded the most antiquated and inefficient delivery systems while improving in-stream flows in the Sun River. The water savings resulted in an additional 12 cfs for summer Sun River flows. This project was accomplished by piping and canal lining.

Photo of the canal being prepared for lining

Work Breakdown

  • Lining 2000 feet of canal
  • Installing 2310 feet of PVC pipe

 

 

Project Funding

The total cost of the project was $781,000. To finance the project, the FSID used the following grant and loan programs:

  • USBR Watersmart Grant: $300,000
    • Competitive grant program with grants up to $300,000
  • USBR In-Kind: $9,000
  • DNRC RRGL Grant: $100,000
  • Sun River Watershed Group In-Kind: $20,000
    • Sun River Watershed Group provided assistance with grants and management
  • Coco-Cola Foundation Grant: $52,000
    • Grant due to water conservation from the project
  • FSID In-kind and costs: $300,000
    • Rates to users were raised, not because of the project, but because of general needs
CarterFunding

Project Status & Results

  • Project completed in April 2014. Some weather delays and construction material delays. 
  • Project reduced burden of O&M on FSID due to time and resources to maintain old system and FSID is better able to utilize limited water to meet user needs
  • Grants were the only feasible way the project could be accomplished by the District


Project Partners

Owner: Fort Shaw Irrigation District

Engineer: TD&H Engineering

Contractor: Bolen Construction

Secondary: FSID Crews

Construction Oversight: TD&H Engineering, FSID