Baker Irrigation Efficiency

Mr. Baker converted 24.1 acres of furrow-irrigated orchard to sprinkler application. The project included hiring a CWRE to assist with mapping. John Timmons, irrigation engineering specialist with Pendleton Grain Growers, designed the system and provided technical assistance with the installation. The project included a screened inlet, a pumping station and flowmeter, installation of new electrical service, buried main lines, valves, laterals, and solid set (Nelson Rotator) sprinklers, and pre and post ground leveling. 

An estimated 0.3 CFS of water conserved from the project will be submitted as an instream water right by application through the Water Resource Department's Conserved Water Program. The actual total water going to instream flows may change following final OWRD injury review of the application.

This project was an essential step in helping farmer Robert Baker make his irrigation system more efficient while improving instream habitat for fish. The cost share assistance provided by this grant helped Mr. Baker improve his irrigation practices, utilize river water more conservatively, and save water to an instream right. It is a clear example of the success of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The OWEB funds were matched by labor and time from Robert Baker, and assistance from OWRD. The results will be monitored for a minimum of five years.