Irrigation Districts Formed within Bureau of Reclamation Projects:

1) Are Incorporated Entities with a defined boundary.

2) Are Self-Governed by the people they serve.

3) Each district holds its own contract with the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR). Irrigation Contracts require the purpose of use is Agricultural. Any other use must be stated.

Some Contracts specify tracts 10 acres or less that cannot prove agricultural use are either non deliverable or assessed a BOR fee. 

4) As a Managing Partner with the BOR, each district is tasked with the operation & maintenance of the water conveyance system and administers the water in accordance to the State adjudicated water rights.

5) Each district is allowed to set rates, rules and policies to fairly and adequately maintain its operations. The majority of these rules and policies are based on Federal and State Laws.

Historically the canals, laterals, and drainage systems, constructed under the Bureau of Reclamation, were intended and designed for production agriculture on large acreage parcels (40-960 ac). The majority of these conveyance systems are still owned by the Bureau of Reclamation. At the time of their construction, Easements/ Right of Ways were not surveyed in accordance to metes and bounds descriptions, rather they were surveyed in accordance to "Water Runs Down Hill".   Subsequently not all lands within an irrigation district have water rights. Water Conveyance Easements/Right of Ways (owned by the BOR and managed by the Irrigation District) are "not for public use", therefore, landowners with a prescriptive water conveyance easement (both above and below ground)  within a district's boundaries are subject to BOR rules and policies. 

For further clarification please see Irrigation District Resources.