Orchard mesa irrigation district (omid) seeks funds to complete the design and construction of 8.4 miles of pressurized pipelines at the western end of the district near grand junction, colorado to…

The Bureau of Reclamation awarded the Orchard Mesa Irrigation District (OMID) a $10.6 million Project Grant on September 18, 2025, under the Colorado River System Conservation Pilot program (CFDA 15.567) to design and construct 8.4 miles of pressurized irrigation pipelines in western Colorado. The project encompasses the conversion of open canal systems—including 4.8 miles of Canal 1, 2.9 miles of Canal 2, and 0.7 miles of Canal 2 overflow—into pressurized pipe infrastructure. This infrastructure upgrade is expected to eliminate water losses from seepage, evaporation, and operational spill while reducing OMID's annual water demand by approximately 6,900 acre-feet during the irrigation season.

The primary objective of this conservation initiative is to support the recovery of four threatened and endangered native fish species (Colorado Pikeminnow, Razorback Sucker, Bonytail, and Humpback Chub) in a critical 15-mile reach of the Colorado River near Grand Junction. By reducing OMID's water demand, the project increases the likelihood of surplus releases from Green Mountain Reservoir to enhance streamflow during drought conditions, thereby supporting fish habitat restoration and improving drought resilience. The project is structured through planning, engineering, and construction phases, with anticipated completion by May 31, 2029.

Orchard mesa irrigation district (omid) seeks funds to complete the design and construction of 8.4 miles of pressurized pipelines at the western end of the district near grand junction, colorado to support the recovery of four threatened and endangered native fish species in the 15-mile reach of the colorado river: the colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, bonytail, and humpback chub. The 15-mile reach is a critical stretch of the colorado river that is particularly vulnerable to low streamflow due to large withdrawals in an agriculturally developed and rapidly urbanizing area, as well as ongoing drought. The project would convert approximately 8.4 miles of open canals into pressurized pipe, including 4.8 miles of canal 1, 2.9 miles of canal 2, and 0.7 miles of overflow from canal 2 to canal 1. Major milestones during the project execution include nepa, cultural resources, and permitting completion in the planning phase 30%, 60%, and final design in the engineering phase and canal 1 piping, canal 2 overflow ditch piping in the construction phase. The project goals are to eliminate water loss from seepage, evaporation, and operational spill while reducing the amount of water needed to operate omids hydraulic pumps. The conveyance upgrades would reduce omids demand by up to 6,900 acre-feet per year during the irrigation season. Reduced omid demand would increase the likelihood of surplus releases from green mountain reservoir to the 15-mile reach to enhance streamflow and increase drought resilience for native listed fish species during the warmest and driest time of the year. During free river conditions, the project would enhance natural flow. Omid expects to complete the project by may 2029.