03/03/05 Audit can save irrigation water

The rain and snow hasn't fallen in Idaho like we'd hoped so its time to think about irrigation season ahead. The Idaho Energy Division has a program to help irrigators save water and money. A two part Irrigation Audit Program developed by Stuart Van Greuningen means farmers can have their pumps tested, their system audited or both. VAN GREUNINGEN -"At the completion of that they'll go through what they're findings are with the farmer. Then they will send the completed paperwork to us and we pay the auditor at that time so the farmer doesn't have to take care of it." Obviously its best if this work is done when there's water going through the system but Van Greuningen says some testing can be done right now. The Idaho Energy Hotline at 1-800-334-SAVE is one way that you can get information or an appointment to have the irrigation audit. VAN GREUNINGEN "We also have a website up that has auditors in various areas on there or they can just contact the auditor directly." The website www.idwr.idaho.gov can supply you with more information. Look for the Energy Division and find the links there. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott