Welcome to the Farmers Irrigation District

FID Mission Statement
Farmers Irrigation District strives to promote ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable agriculture by providing energy and irrigation service for the common good.

The District Today
Farmers Irrigation District is located in Hood River, Oregon, in the beautiful, culturally rich Columbia River Gorge. It is a nonprofit government agency founded in 1874. Water is provided to over 5,800 acres of land, both residential and agricultural. The Hood River Valley produces large quantities of high value pears, apples, cherries, and wine grapes

Serving the Northern Hood River Valley since 1874.

Current News

04-05-13 - Irrigation Status Update

01-29-13 - FID Featured in January 2013 Irrigation Leader Magazine
Click here to read the article (PDF)

12-11-12 - Voluntary Carbon Offset Retirement Fund for Water & Power Purveyors
Farmers Irrigation District (FID) has established the nation's first-ever Voluntary Carbon Offset Retirement Fund for Water & Power Purveyors. As a result of its operations and maintenance, FID adds an estimated 120 metric tons (or 264,555 pounds) of carbon to the Earth's atmosphere every year. However, because FID produces approximately 24,000 megawatt hours (24,000 MWh, which is the equivalent of 24,000 RECs, which are Renewable Energy Certificates) of green, carbon-neutral, renewable energy every year, we offset an estimated total of 51,810,960 pounds of carbon each year – over 195 times greater than our operational carbon footprint. Even small infrastructure improvements, water delivery efficiency gains, and streamlined operation and maintenance procedures equate to very large reductions in global carbon over time.

Farmers Irrigation District attempts to sell the balance of its annually produced Renewable Energy Certificates (1 REC = 1 MWh) to enhance revenues for water conservation, in-stream flow projects, and to help others offset their carbon footprints each year. But we don't sell our surplus RECs without first setting aside and retiring RECs to make sure that we keep it green here at home. As it turns out, one REC from FID offsets just about one metric ton of carbon. So, FID voluntarily retires enough RECs (about 120 of them) each year to stay completely carbon neutral. Other agencies with such renewable resources can easily make an example of being carbon neutral as well by contributing their share to this fund -- the Voluntary Carbon Offset Retirement Fund for Water & Power Purveyors -- or any other fund of their choice. Once RECs are retired to this voluntary offset fund, they can never be used again. In this way, we keep the carbon offsets authentic.

Certified green renewable hydropower really works for the common good. It neutralizes our carbon footprint, helps pay the bills for irrigated agriculture, creates and maintains local jobs, and supports millions of dollars worth of conservation-based in-stream and water delivery capital improvement projects. The more our efficiencies climb, the healthier our environment becomes, and the more our water patrons benefit.

Click here to download the PDF file.

For more information please contact Jer Camarata at jer@fidhr.org

11-15-12 - 2012-2013 Winter Preparation
Winter is rapidly approaching and the nights are once again getting cold. It's time to begin winterizing your vulnerable water lines, pipelines, boxes, sprinkler systems, and pumps; just a few of the items that need winterization attention during those cold months.

Pipelines can be especially susceptible to freezing during winter months. Whether they are metal, PVC, or concrete, they can freeze and break if not drained properly in the fall. Open the drains and petcocks and let them empty before the really cold weather sets in.

Sprinkler systems should be drained or blown out so water does not remain in low areas and freeze in those places. There should also be drains at the ends of the lines to collect and allow any excess water to escape. Some systems with larger sprinklers have drains located at the sprinkler heads that need to be opened.

A small amount of environmentally friendly anti-freeze applied to empty reservoirs or lines can also help prevent left over water from freezing in troublesome spots. Any valves that operate with your system should also be drained and opened up.

You may have other types of equipment and property needing quick attention before the really cold weather hits, but if in doubt, ask around and feel free to call the District office for advice on how to best winterize your private system. Be prepared ahead of time and protect your valuable investments. An ounce of prevention now can pay dividends in the future.

10-01-12 - 2012 Irrigation Season Officially Ends
Irrigation Season in the Hood River Basin stretches from April 15th to September 30th, per State law. The 2012 irrigation season is officially over. Thanks to a wet spring, a mild summer, and the implementation of wise water conservation measures by many of our patrons, Farmers Irrigation District has had a superb 2012 irrigation season. Now that winter is right around the corner, it's time to start winterizing your private irrigation systems. By opening all of your service and line valves, and draining your pipes and filters properly, you can avoid potential costly repairs. If you would like any pointers on how to best drain and winterize your private system, please give the district office a call and we'll be happy to pass along our experience and advice.

Thanks again for a great 2012 irrigation season!

08-01-12 Public Notice
Throughout the area in which Farmers Irrigation District (FID) operates public traffic and activities that encroach on FID’s easements, property, and infrastructure are becoming a serious concern to FID’s operations and safety.
Consequently, until further notice “No Trespassing” signs will be posted on FID property where a concern for public safety and protection of sensitive infrastructure is mandated.  Specifically, FID plans to post signs on its dams, spillways, canal banks, pipelines, bridges, power plants, and water diversions.
Of particular concern to FID is Kingsley Reservoir dams and spillways. Due to growing public safety concerns, costs, and responsibility associated with dam maintenance and repair, FID has closed all traffic on Upper and Lower Kingsley Reservoir dams and spillways until further notice. Violation of these “No Trespassing” restrictions can result in criminal prosecution and fines in excess of $1,000 per occurrence. 

06-12-12 - Large Pipe Facilities Project; Lowline Phase - 2012 Construction
RFP will be announced mid July, construction to commence October 1st, Irrigation Assessment rates to increase.
FID LPFP Announcement
Lowline Canal Pipe Project

04-02-12 - How Local Ingenuity and FEMA Money Built "A Better MouseTrap"
Mother Nature can be awesome, and not always in a good way. Just ask the Farmers Irrigation District in Oregon's Hood River County. Mother Nature has taken out their structures and, in 1996, led them to the brink of bankruptcy. Read more... (PDF file)

03-07-12 - Damage Incurred During Severe Winter Storm
The District experienced a significant amount of damage during this year's severe winter storm. On March 2, 2012, President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the State of Oregon triggering the release of Federal funds to help communities such as ours recover from the severe winter storm. District officials are working with the proper authorities on such matters while District crew has diligently been working hard through adverse conditions to clear debris and make all necessary repairs prior to irrigation season. While we are working hard to get District infrastructure repaired and primed, please inspect your own private irrigation systems and look for signs of broken pipes prior to irrigation season. Below are a few pictures from the winter storm.

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