Twin Falls Bracing for Summer 2026 Water Shortages

Twin Falls Bracing for Summer 2026 Water Shortages

If you live in Twin Falls and rely on the city’s pressurized irrigation system, this summer could take a little more planning than usual.

The City of Twin Falls says the Twin Falls Canal Company is starting the 2026 irrigation season with reduced water delivery because of the ongoing drought. That means you’re being asked to follow the city’s conservation schedule closely so there’s enough water to last through summer. 

Twin Falls Residents Are Being Asked to Conserve Now

The City of Twin Falls says shares were cut 17 percent for shareholders, including the City of Twin Falls Pressurized Irrigation System. City officials say that the reduction makes it especially important to water only on assigned days. And you should shift watering when demands are at their lowest.

For homes on pressurized irrigation, the rule is simple: even-numbered addresses water on even-numbered dates, and odd-numbered addresses water on odd-numbered dates. The city says code enforcement officers will start by warning first-time offenders, but repeat violations can lead to escalating fines under the city’s water conservation code. FWIW, I’ve noticed that these kinds of things tend to be more strictly enforced during shortages. 

How To Know If Your House Uses Pressurized Irrigation Water

One clue is your watering schedule. In Twin Falls, homes on pressurized irrigation using canal water follow the odd/even calendar-date schedule, while homes irrigating with treated city water follow a different schedule based on specific weekdays and overnight hours. 

You can also check for equipment that is used with pressurized irrigation systems. Homes on pressurized irrigation typically need to access a PI valve, which is generally near the sidewalk, when the system is activated each season. 

If you aren’t sure, you can call the city’s Water Department at (208) 736-2275 with questions.

Why the Schedule Matters More This Year

Public Works Director Josh Baird said watering outside of assigned days or times can reduce the amount of water available to nearby homes. The city also warns that subdivisions not shifting watering to lower-demand periods could experience low pressure or no water pressure at all. 

What the City of Twin Falls Is Doing To Cut Back

The city says it is cutting back, too. Park irrigation has been set to minimum timed limits, and some parks on pressurized irrigation will be watered during the day to ease demand during peak residential watering hours. Officials are also reviewing schedules at city facilities to reduce use during the busiest times. 

Don't Drink Pressurized Irrigation 

Twin Falls says its pressurized irrigation system helps reduce demand on the aquifer by using canal water for outdoor irrigation. Officials say that the system has lowered aquifer demand by nearly 5 million gallons per day on average. Remember the days when you could drink from the hose? Yeah, don't do that. Pressurized water is not safe to drink because it comes from an open canal and is untreated.