THE KID TOMORROW
As the Tri-Cities continues to grow, so will the Kennewick Irrigation District. That will require more water, expanded distribution facilities and ever more efficient systems.
Some of the specific projects on the KID’s drawing board are...
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Providing water to the Red Mountain American Viticultural Area
One of the region’s hottest new AVAs is developing all around Red Mountain, to the west of West Richland and east of Benton City. This is not something that will happen some day. It is being built, planted and developed now. At the moment, wells can keep up with the demand for water. But, only a small percentage of the area is developed. More water will be required for this area to develop as expected. The KID has applied for a new water right from the Columbia River to help facilitate this. -
Finding a way to leave more water in the Yakima River
This would require significant change to the KID’s physical structure, but ends up a win for everyone. This may involve adding a new water right in the Columbia River, or it may require obtaining permission to let the Yakima carry much of the water currently being drawn at Prosser until it is carried down into the Columbia near Columbia Park, and then take the water out after the fish have made their way down into the Columbia River confluence. Planners are developing strategies to accomplish this feat. -
Developing linear parks throughout the area
As important as water is in this area, a system of canals is expensive to maintain and dangerous when warnings aren’t respected. The KID is currently developing proposals to work with local governments to find the money to replace canals with buried pipes, one section at a time, then develop parks over the top of the pipes. It’s an practical cooperative solution. The county and cities acquire many new, large park areas in place of canals; the KID gets more secure waterways; and parents have one less worry when their kids go out to play in the neighborhood. -
Dealing with encroachment issues
Maintenance is a BIG issue for the Kennewick Irrigation District. The failure of any part of the 90-mile system of canals and hundreds of miles of pipe could have both serious and far-reaching consequences. That’s why the KID works to make sure potential problems are caught well ahead of time.
The district must ensure that easements along KID canals and pipes are kept clear of obstructions that could impede access to the system. Any "use" (by buildings, plants or anything else) of the land within district rights-of-way without permission is an "encroachment."
Property owners whose land is subject to a KID easement need to make sure that the area subject to easement is clear of (to quote the KID’s policy #4-2, "Encroachment"), "...buildings, plants, trees, fences, landscaping, pools, irrigation systems, utility poles, or any other structure..."
A property owner may request a permit from the KID, allowing exception to be made for a specific use. Otherwise, if the area isn’t clear, the KID may clear it and bill the property owner for the work needed to bring it into compliance. To learn more, call 586-9111 and ask for customer service.