System to reduce aquifer drawdown

OTHELLO – The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District will break ground on its new EL 80.6 delivery system June 10.

The event will run from 1-2:30 p.m. at the site off South Lucy Road, east of the city.

The system will shift irrigation water for 5,862 acres from the Odessa aquifer to Columbia River surface water.

The is the fourth system East Columbia Irrigation is installing to reduce the drawdown of the aquifer.

“Celebrating this important milestone is exciting,” Secretary-Manager Craig Simpson said. “We have two systems operating, two currently in construction, and several more in design. W...