TCID Board Terminates Software Contract, Prepares for Winter Projects

The Truckee-Carson Irrigation District Board of Directors voted Tuesday, Nov. 3, to terminate its contract with a software provider after months of unsuccessful attempts to contact the company. The board also approved an equipment maintenance agreement and heard updates on water storage, Lahontan Dam rehabilitation and potential federal funding.

District officials said WaterVize, contracted to develop an online water management system, has stopped responding to communications. The company's website and the district's developing online program are now inaccessible.

"We have not heard from the owner of WaterVize for several months now, despite our numerous attempts to reach out to him," district officials reported.

The board unanimously approved terminating the contract and exploring options to recover more than $18,000 paid to the company.

The district is evaluating an alternative system called Storm, developed by Central Valley Software Solutions LLC, which reportedly serves more than 50 irrigation districts. Officials have discussed water ordering, recordkeeping and integration with automated canal controls. No replacement contract has been proposed.

Contractors are expected to arrive Nov. 12 for a major rehabilitation project at Lahontan Dam. District crews have been building an access ramp near the existing boat ramp and preparing to remove trash racks, hydraulic cylinders and other components to provide access to the dam's outlet structures.

Work will proceed in stages, with three components addressed at a time to maintain operational flexibility. Completion is expected by March 15, ahead of the spring irrigation season, although weather conditions could affect the schedule.

Winter maintenance will include concrete replacement, equipment repairs and preparations for the seasonal canal shutdown.

Water operations staff reported Lahontan Reservoir storage at approximately 57,633 acre-feet, with daily outflows exceeding inflows by about 218 acre-feet. Increased flows through the Truckee Canal are expected to replenish storage as irrigation deliveries wind down.

The district began taking additional available Truckee River water into the canal Nov. 2, with further increases planned as other diversions are reduced. Reservoir storage is projected to reach approximately 71,613 acre-feet by the end of November, depending on inflows and operating conditions. The irrigation season is expected to conclude around Nov. 15.

District officials and Natural Resources Conservation Service representatives discussed changes to federal conservation programs and potential funding for irrigation infrastructure.

NRCS representatives said funding previously available through WaterSMART is no longer available through their agency. Alternatives include the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, which has supported large-scale irrigation improvements in other states.

NRCS engineers encouraged TCID to identify projects for possible fiscal year 2028 funding, including replacement of aging irrigation structures and water delivery improvements.

Officials also reported renewed hope for previously anticipated USDA funding that had been delayed. Although the program is being revised, federal representatives have indicated the money remains available and eligible districts, including TCID, are still expected to receive funding.

Potential uses include canal lining, automated water controls and other conservation improvements. Eligibility for on-farm projects remains undetermined.

NRCS representatives encouraged local producers to apply for conservation assistance through programs supporting soil health, cover crops and reduced tillage, including the Conservation Stewardship Program.

The board approved a two-year maintenance agreement with Empire Cat covering five pieces of district equipment, including excavators and a skid steer. Empire Cat will provide scheduled maintenance, service records and electronic equipment monitoring.

District staff estimated outside servicing would cost approximately 30% more than comparable in-house maintenance but said the agreement would help protect equipment warranties, improve maintenance records and reduce demands on the district's limited mechanical staff.

The district currently has one mechanic.

At Carson Lake Pasture, cattle are expected to begin moving out this week. Officials reported favorable grazing conditions and adequate remaining forage. The district plans to review its waiting list and determine whether additional cattle can be accommodated in future seasons.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service representatives reported hunting season underway at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge. Migrating swans had not yet arrived as of Tuesday's meeting but were expected soon.

The Bureau of Reclamation reported continued staffing shortages at regional and local offices, while district representatives discussed preparations for winter precipitation and potential high-water conditions.