Welcome to the EBID Surface Water Delivery Information Page!

Introduction

The Operations Department personnel are responsible for managing and delivering surface water to EBID irrigators. They also monitor and measure the amount of water delivered to the irrigators by taking multiple meter readings during the irrigations and using that information to calculate the water delivery charge. Their primary measurement tool is the FlowProbe meter that is inserted into the flow of water at the turnout. Additional measurement methods include staff gauge readings (upstream and/or downstream of the turnout), in-stream metering (approximately 20 feet downstream of the turnout), and radio telemetry units (RTUs) at the turnout. By measuring the flow of water, EBID can ensure that the amount of water delivered matches the amount ordered and that the water is equitably distributed to our irrigators. There are 44 employees in the department including Richard Bejarano who is the Watermaster (and head of the department), and his team of four Assistant Watermasters and 39 Patrolmen known as Ditchriders and Rovers.

It is the preference of the Ditchriders and Rovers to utilize their own personal vehicles to perform required work tasks and the District has found that it is a considerable savings to provide a vehicle and gas allowance rather than maintaining a fleet of vehicles for their use. Patrolmen are required to display magnetic signs of the EBID logo on their vehicles at all times for proper identification as a District employee, and to provide proper maintenance and insurance on their vehicles.

Work is performed throughout the District from the Caballo Dam to the Texas stateline along EBID irrigation canals and laterals with teams based in three locations including the Hatch Yard (North), Las Cruces Yard (Central), and Chamberino Yard (South). The area of the District is divided into 12 work units, with 3 Patrolmen covering each unit. Each unit consists of approximately 6,500 acres and 20-25 miles of laterals from which irrigators obtain water.

How Do They Operate the Water Delivery System?

Here is a short list of the work performed by the Operations team:

1. Perform water delivery service continuously, with men on duty 24/7 throughout the Irrigation Season.

2. Receive water order tickets from Dispatch/Water Records and requests from farmers (verbally or by cell phone while in the field) for delivery of irrigation water.

3. Calculate amount of water needed to fulfill deliveries. Place orders for water from diversion dams.

4. Manage the flow of water in canals and laterals to farm turnout. Notify irrigator of delivery times.

5. Utilize Flow Probe Meter (or other measurement methods) to calculate flow of surface water onto irrigated lands. Perform calculations to determine duration of irrigation. Notify irrigator of shutdown time. Report irrigation time on/time off to Dispatch/Water Records.

6. Coordinate groundwater flow into EBID facilities with pumpers, irrigators, and the EBID Hydrology Team.

7. Report ditch breaks and other rights-of-way issues or needs.

8. Answer questions and provide information regarding water balances and pending orders.

9. Troubleshoot and resolve issues and conflicts regarding water deliveries, balances, and discrepancies.

Who and Where They Are

To see the contact information for the Operations team, click here.

(Note: Water Orders are placed through the Dispatch/Water Records Office by calling 575-524-8003.)