August 6, 2024
By: Katherine Trowbridge
A break in the canal led East Columbia Basin Irrigation District (ECBID) crews to work around the clock to mitigate the issue.
The ECBID was notified of a break in the EL canal just before 9pm. on Monday, August 5. This news was followed by news of an irrigation canal break that was causing flooding on roadways near Moses Lake around 10pm on Monday. Grant County Sheriff's activated Level 2 evacuations for areas near the flooding caused by the canal break near Moses Lake. Grant County Sheriff's stated water was being diverted from the canal to Mosel Lake and the Potholes Reservoir.
Both of these issues have left most of the irrigation water south of Moses Lake shut off, according to area farmers who stated, "Tough on those needing water."
ECBID quickly responded to the break with crews working around the clock to fix the issue as soon as possible. A resident was on his way home and saw the issue, contacting ECBID right away. He posted this photo asking prayers for the ECBID crews.
Tuesday afternoon, August 6, Craig Simpson, Secretary Manager of the ECBID, addressed a news conference. Simpson stated that the break is at the east side of the embankment at the DE 226 Mile Undershot (culvert).
Dewatering began immediately. When fully drained at the site, evaluation of the damage and necessary repairs will be made.
An estimate of return service will be provided after a repair plan has been developed.
The ECBID plans to continue deliveries in the first 23 miles of the ELC (above Rocky Coulee We) and from the Potholes Canal.
Simpson added that updates would be posted to their Facebook page.
The latest update stated, "Crews continue to dewater the canal. A dike has been built on the downstream side and an upstream dike will be in place shortly. Once complete, dewatering will progress as we pump water and we'll then be able to access the issue and begin repairs. We have a full crew on site who will work in to the night to mitigate the situation."
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