CWFClearwater Farms Unit 1
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Irrigation Basics

Contents

Understanding Irrigation

Depending on the season, our irrigation comes from either:

  • Lake Pleasant via a network of concrete canals operated by Maricopa Water District (MWD)
  • Groundwater wells pumping to the same canal system

It is delivered to our irrigation systems through two 4-foot square concrete boxes, one at Northern Avenue and Perryville Road (10-1) and one at Northern Avenue at 183rd Avenue and Northern (10-3). Each box directs the flow south towards ditch 9 of our system. Ditch 9 runs parallel to Northern Avenue and along the canal on the south side of Northern to our system. Each box (10-1 and 10-3) directs the water flow south of the ditch along Northern to Ditch 9, which runs parallel to Northern Avenue. There are nine (9) miles of irrigation conveyance ditches and 16 head gates in CFPAO#1. The running water may look inviting to children, so please advise them to stay out of the ditches.

MWD Control Box 10-1

Box 10-1 serves ditches 9 and 1-4. This box sends water south of Northern to the intersection of Ditch 9 (flows north to south) and Ditch 1 (flows west-east). There are head gates (drop gates) at the intersection of ditch 9 and ditches 1-4 (Perryville to 182nd service road). To run Ditch 1, the gate on Ditch 1 is raised allowing flow to the south, and the gate for Ditch 9 is closed, preventing water from flowing east along Ditch 9. When all users have finished irrigating on Ditch 1, the gate to Ditch 9 is raised and the gate to Ditch 1 is closed allowing water to flow east along Ditch 9. Ditch 9 serves the properties along Northern Avenue. When the last user on Ditch 9 (before Ditch 2) finishes irrigation and pulls their check(s) the water flows to Ditch 2. To run ditch 2, this ditch is opened and ditch 9 is closed to force water to flow south down ditch 2. This process is repeated until all users along Ditch 9 and Ditches 1-4 have been served.

MWD Control Box 10-3

Box 10-3 serves ditches 9 and 5-8 (185th Avenue to 178th service road). This box sends water south of Northern to the intersection of Ditch 9 (flows north to south) and Ditch 5 (flows west-east). The same order of operation as above is used to deliver water to Ditch 5, then Ditch 9 between 5 and 6, then Ditch 6 and so on until users on 9 and Ditches 5-8 are all served.

We can only deliver what MWD provides us. New Federal guidance requires MWD to provide a specific ‘head” of water, with a possibility of a 10% overage. Prior deliveries were either 70-inch or 140-inch head when water was provided from Lake Pleasant, and an 85-inch head when provided from groundwater wells. The current head is delivered at a constant 90-inch head and is frequently monitored by MWD and CFPOA 1 irrigation volunteers.

There are several variables that affect the effectiveness of the irrigation water ordered. These include:

  • Height of grass or vegetation – affects flow of water across property
  • How long has it been since last irrigation (soil moisture),
  • Ambient air temperature
  • Wind speed
  • Proper lot leveling

Eligibility for Irrigation

To be eligible to order and receive irrigation water, members must be in “Good Standing” (By-Laws Article I, para 10), which means the member is current with association dues, and not significantly in arrears for irrigation payments (late payments, returned checks, etc.). To order irrigation, you must sign up no later than 7 PM on the Monday prior to the next irrigation cycle. Presently, you can sign up at the sign-up sheet at 7212 North 181st Avenue, or online using the website or mobile application. Online payment is currently not an option. In the interim, a check or money order must be submitted to P.O. Box 597, Waddell, Az 85355. Please check your irrigation balance frequently to ensure you are not behind (owe money) on irrigation payments. If payment is not received, irrigation water may be denied (CC&Rs 6.0, 9.0; and By-Laws under Article VIII, para 4 & 5).

For eligible members to receive irrigation they must

  • Have your property prepared to receive water by:
    • Laser leveling the irrigated portion of your property
    • Assure that adequate dirt berms are in place to retain water on your property
    • Install a drop gate or purchase a “check” to stop the flow in the ditch to irrigate your property.
  • Pay for the number of hours of water ordered when signing up.
  • Send a check to P.P Box 597, Waddell, AZ 85355, or use the website or online app, when available.
  • If this is your first irrigation event, please contact the Board or current Irrigation Volunteer to walk you through the irrigation process.
  • The timing of when you will receive irrigation is based on:
    • When MWD delivers water to the CFPOA#1 system.
    • How many members signed up for irrigation.
    • The order of delivery to the specific ditch you are on.
  • Once the sign-up sheet has been removed from the board, or website you are responsible for the water you ordered, no matter what time of day it is scheduled to arrive.
  • An irrigation schedule is typically posted no later than Thursday evening of the week prior to irrigation. However, it may occur the following Friday or Saturday, so review the schedule as soon as it comes out.
  • If you have a disability or difficulty with the irrigation process, reach out to a neighbor, hire someone to assist you, or reach out to the board for suggestions.

It is your responsibility to

  • Submit payment for the irrigation ordered when you sign-up. You can also pay in advance.
  • Order water (sign-up) before 7 PM Monday evening
  • Once water has been ordered, it cannot be canceled. If you have ordered too much water or cannot take the water ordered, it is your responsibility to find a neighbor. who will take the excess. You can also contact the board for suggestions.
  • You cannot transfer water to a member who is not in good standing with CFPOA#1. These members are identified on the sign-up list as “Restricted.”
  • Check the schedule by Thursday when it comes out, to confirm your scheduled delivery time at [www.clearwaterfarmsunit1.com]. Please note who receives water before you (upstream) and after you (downstream).
  • Maintain the area on your side of the ditch, trim trees, bushes, grass, and debris to a height of at least 6-feet to allow the association access to access road (if present) and ditch. Failure to do so will result in a letter being issued to the Member to remediate the problem area within 30 days. After 30 days, a fine of $50 will be assessed, and/or access to irrigation may be restricted until the issue is resolved. If debris in the ditch results in overflow and erosion of the road or sides of the ditch, the member may be tasked with making the repairs or paying for such repairs.
  • You are responsible for removing any debris from your section of ditch. Do not send it downstream.
  • You are responsible for opening your irrigation ports, lowering your gate or setting your check prior to the scheduled time for your water delivery.
  • You are responsible for raising your gate or check at the conclusion of your scheduled irrigation time.
  • If the person upstream of you fails to raise their gate or remove their check after their irrigation time has expired, please wait for a minute or two to give them a chance to remove it. Otherwise, you may raise their gate or remove their check.

If you feel you are not receiving the proper flow or “Head” of water, DO NOT call MWD. First, look upstream to see if a previous irrigator left their check in the ditch, or left their ports open. Look for debris piles that may be restricting the flow at crossovers (streets), or other choke points. If you still feel the flow is not correct, contact the current irrigation volunteer assigned to the time you are irrigating. The volunteer list will be available on the website?? FB??

You must control your irrigation for the entire duration of the time you will be receiving it. Failure to do so may result in damage to association, or neighboring property.

  1. First Offense will result in a warning letter asking you to remedy the problem and take care of any damage caused.
  2. Second Offense will result in a $50 fine and may require repair of any damage caused by the release of water.
  3. Third Offense and following offenses will result in a $100 fine.
  4. Depending on the severity of the damage, legal action may follow any of the above steps in accordance with (CCRs 11.1, By-Laws Article I, Para 5; Article 2 para 4 & 5)