Homestead Pumping Plant

SCBID supports QCBID’s Efforts to construct Homestead pumping plant

The proposed Homestead Pumping plant is intended to relieve demand on the West Canal below the W20 check at certain times of year, by pumping water entering the Frenchman Hills Waste Way from the W645 drain. There have been questions regarding the potential impacts to the water supply out of Potholes Reservoir if the pumping plant were to be built.  

As proposed, the pumping plant would divert a maximum of about 24,000 acre-feet annually. Diversions from Potholes Reservoir average around 950,000 acre-feet a year, serving both South Columbia Basin Irrigation District lands and East Columbia Basin Irrigation District lands. Feed to Potholes Reservoir fluctuates from about 100,000 acre-feet to about 400,000 acre-feet annually. Given the magnitude of diversions and feed, it is well within normal operational parameters to make-up the relatively insignificant diversions contemplated at the Homestead Pumping Plant as needed through the variety of different feed opportunities that exist at present. 

As such, SCBID does not think there is any merit in opposition to the Homestead Pumping Plant due to Potholes Reservoir water supply concerns and fully supports Quincy Columbia Basin Irrigation District in its efforts to construct this much needed project facility.

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2026 End of Water Season Dates

As the end of the 2026 irrigation season approaches, the South Columbia Basin Irrigation District will soon scale back ditchrider service from 6 days to 5 days per week.  This is done annually as irrigation water demand declines.  Full Saturday service will be provided through September 19th.  After that date, ditchrider service will be available Monday through Friday.   

        The final day to order water delivery changes will be Monday, October 19th.  On Wednesday, October 21st ditchriders will close all farm unit and water service contract turnouts as they begin to drain the canal system. 

Questions pertaining to the water shutoff dates and Saturday ditch rides may be answered by your watermaster office or the District office at (509) 547-1735.  For emergencies that arise outside of our normal business hours, you may also call this number and wait for the appropriate prompts to reach your watermaster office. 

A New Chapter in District Leadership

All SCBID Water Users,

On behalf of the South Columbia Basin Irrigation District Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce that Eric Dixon has been appointed to serve as the District's next Secretary/Manager. Eric has been with the District for 13 years and has gained extensive knowledge and experience through his years of dedicated service. Over the past year, Eric has worked diligently to assume additional management responsibilities and prepare for this leadership role. His commitment, experience, and understanding of the District's operations will provide a strong foundation as he moves into his new position on August 3, 2026.

Current Secretary/Manager John O'Callaghan will transition to the role of Senior Advisor to the District. In this capacity, he will focus primarily on external initiatives, representing the District through organizations such as the Washington State Water Resources Association, the Northwest Water Resources Association, and the Family Farm Alliance, while continuing to advance the District's interests on both the state and national levels.

Please join us in congratulating Eric on his well-deserved appointment and John on a step closer to retirement and a new role with the District. We look forward to Eric's leadership and are grateful that John will continue to serve the District in an advisory capacity.

Sincerely,

Jared Balcom

Board President

WSU Farm Stress & Suicide Prevention Program

Farmers, ranchers and agriculture workers in Washington State are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, according to the National Rural Health Association, citing obstacles such as rising labor costs, failing commodity prices and environmental challenges as just a few of the stressors contributing to this devastating fact.  The American Farm Bureau Federation reported that farmers and farmworkers surveyed said financial issues (91%), farm or business problems (88%) and fear of losing the farm (87%) impact farmers’ mental health.  Based on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data and the National Institute of Health’s Suicide Rates by Industry and Occupation Report, for every 100,000 farmers, 47.9–49.9 will not have the resources to manage the profound distress and will end their own life.

 In effort to provide resources and bring awareness to the mental health crisis in agriculture, Washington State University has developed the Farm Stress and Suicide Prevention Program.  The program, funded by the Washington State Department of Health, improves access to mental health care with free therapy vouchers, provides skill building resources such as financial counseling and peer connection to reduce the stigma attached to mental health concerns.  Details can be found in the links provided or the pdf attachments. 

 If you or someone you know is struggling, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.  In addition, anyone can call or text the AgriStress helpline, at 833-897-2474.  Let’s remind our neighbors, friends, co-workers, and loved ones that help is available. 

WSU Farm Stress PDF

WA State Department of Health PDF

In Rememberance of Director JJ Danz

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Director JJ Danz. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a friend to many and a gifted storyteller, sharing memories from years past that preserved history and often left the room filled with laughter.

JJ faithfully served on the South Columbia Basin Irrigation District board for 23 years, dedicating his time, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the District and the Columbia Basin Project. He was a valued presence on the Columbia Basin Hydropower and Columbia Basin Development League boards. Through his service and dedication, JJ made lasting contributions that will continue to benefit our community for years to come. His impact will not be forgotten.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28th at 10:30 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, located at 2505 W. 27th Avenue in Kennewick. Immediately after the church service, those wishing to participate in the funeral procession are invited to gather at Franklin County Fire District No. 4 in Basin City. From there, we will travel together to the graveside service.  After he is laid to rest, family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of JJ’s life at Mark & Debbie Wieseler’s shop, located at 1901 Colonial Road in Mesa.

2026 Water Season Delivery Dates

The South Columbia Basin Irrigation District will begin filling the Potholes Canal on March 2, 2026. Deliveries from the Potholes Canal will begin on March 17, 2026, to the Mattawa area, the Potholes Canal service area of Franklin County, and Blocks 2 and 3.   Deliveries to Block 18 and other lands served from the East Low Canal system will begin as water becomes available from East Columbia Basin Irrigation District.   

Irrigation deliveries will be dependent on demand in the individual lateral systems. In locations where pumping plants are required for irrigation deliveries, startup dates will depend on adequate orders to start the pumping plants.  Landowners will need to contact their Watermaster office for specific delivery dates and water availability.

SCBID Office Closure

The South Columbia Basin Irrigation District offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 from 11 am to 2 pm for our annual All Staff Meeting. In case of an emergency, please contact your watermaster office. Following the prompts will direct you to your area watermaster. We appreciate your patience during this brief closure.

Dan Johnson Retires

After 30 years of dedicated service, Dan Johnson, Purchasing and Facilities Supervisor, is retiring from the South Columbia Basin Irrigation District.

Dan joined the District in 1995 as a ditchrider and later promoted to his current role in 2001. Along the way, he was fortunate to have John Rogers as a mentor, someone he describes as “a man of his word” who helped guide his career.

When reflecting on his time with the District, Dan said it was impossible to pick a single favorite story—it’s been a great 30 years. He believes patience has been his most valuable skill on the job, and he encourages colleagues to “do your best and always remember you work for the landowners.”

In retirement, Dan looks forward to playing more golf and enjoying much needed time with his family.

Please join us in congratulating Dan on his well-deserved retirement and thanking him for his many contributions to the South Columbia Basin Irrigation District. We wish him the very best in the years ahead.