Notice to Deep Well Irrigators

In the Odessa Ground Water Management Subarea

Located Within 3 Miles of the East Low Canal

The East Basin Irrigation District announces the availability of up to 6,322 acre feet of Columbia Basin Project irrigation water for use beginning with the 2006 irrigation season. This water comes from conservation improvements to the District's irrigation conveyance system. It is being made available through agreements between the District, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Washington State Department of Ecology. This water must be used as a replacement irrigation source for ground water currently being withdrawn from the Odessa Ground Water Management Subarea.

The Columbia Basin Project water will be made available to irrigators through interruptible water service contracts with an initial contract term through 2022. These contracts will have an annual water allotment of 3 acre feet per acre or the ground water duty of the State ground water permit or certificate being replaced, whichever is less. Supplemental or excess water above that amount will not be available. Water service contracts will be limited to no more than 320 acres per individual.

Participating irrigators must place that portion of the ground water being replaced with Columbia Basin Project water into a superseding permit or certificate with the Department of Ecology. The superseding permit protects the ground water right from relinquishment during the period it is not being used.

Participating irrigators are responsible for all costs necessary for pumping and conveying water from the East Low Canal. Pump stations must meet the standards of permits to be issued by the District. For 2006 the total of irrigation assessments for these contracts is anticipated to be approximately $43.45 per acre.

Other eligibility and prioritization criteria apply. The District anticipates application materials being available on or about January 5, 2006. The application period will be from January 9 to February 10, 2006. Persons having previously applied for future water service must re-apply to be eligible. Call 509-488-9671 for additional information.

#01013

Pub.: December 22, 29, 2005 and January 5, 2006