Annual irrigation shut-off occurs on October 31

Although we will switch over to well water on November 12 this year (the actual date varies from year to year), the date set for irrigation cutoff is always October 31. After this time, no irrigation – especially agricultural irrigation – can occur. The reason is that after October 31, FortisBC charges us more expensive electricity rates instead of the cheaper irrigation rates for electricity. Specifically, after October 31, every time any of our large pumps kicks in (which is quite frequently if irrigation is occurring), it pushes us to a higher rate schedule for electricity (which does not apply during the irrigation season), and this higher rate schedule persists throughout the winter period. During winter we run a much smaller pump if lake water is required to supplement the well water, which avoids these high motor/pump start-up costs, but this smaller pump cannot keep up with demand when agricultural irrigation is occurring.

So, the bottom line is that irrigation in the Osoyoos Irrigation District must end by October 31.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.