TCID Announces 100% Water Supply, Irrigation Begins March 15

During the Tuesday, March 11 meeting, the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District (TCID) Board approved the water allocation and season start dates for 2025, setting the course for local farmers and water users as they prepare for irrigation.

The board voted to allocate 100% water supply for both Carson and Truckee divisions, emphasizing that water users should begin placing their orders starting Wednesday, March 12, at 5 p.m. Deliveries are scheduled to begin on March 15.

The decision follows a review of current snowpack conditions, river flows, and storage levels in Lahontan Reservoir. While recent forecasts indicate that the region remains below average in terms of total water availability, the board felt confident in setting a full allocation based on expected runoff and supplementation from the Truckee River.

"We're starting with 100%, and as always, we will monitor conditions as the season progresses," Board member Davy Stix said.

Water users should place their orders as soon as possible to help ensure smooth delivery schedules, and TCID staff will continue to monitor conditions to assess whether adjustments may be needed later in the season.

In other business, the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District (TCID) Board approved a new contract for the sale of hydropower generated from Lahontan Dam and two other district facilities.

The contract, awarded to the City of Fallon, will consolidate existing agreements and set a new rate structure that benefits both TCID and the local community. Under the terms of the deal, the city will purchase power at a rate of $44.50 per megawatt-hour, while also acquiring renewable energy credits at $7.50 per credit.

"This is a great opportunity to keep the power local and reduce transmission costs," said a TCID official. "It's also a solid financial move for the district, ensuring a stable revenue stream for the coming years."

The agreement covers power generated at Lahontan Dam, as well as the 26-Foot Drop hydro facility, and will take effect on July 1, when TCID's existing contract with NV Energy expires. The contract runs for five years with an option to renew for an additional five years.

Board members expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing that working with the City of Fallon allows for better long-term planning and investment in district infrastructure.

"This is a win-win," Ben Shawcroft, TCID General Manager said. "It keeps the power in the community and provides financial stability for TCID moving forward."

During the meeting, TCID staff raised concerns about a growing leak at the Lahontan Powerhouse, which has been worsening over time. Water is now seeping inside the facility, dripping over electrical equipment and raising safety concerns for both operations and personnel.

“This isn’t just a minor issue—it’s getting worse, and we need to address it sooner rather than later,” Mark Solinski, hydro-electric manager said.

The source of the leak appears to be near the canal where the road comes down toward the powerhouse. While the area has historically been damp, staff noted that the seepage has increased significantly, making it clear that a permanent fix is needed.

One solution suggested lining sections of the canal to prevent further water infiltration. However, cost and logistics would need to be considered as well as other factors of such a project. 

In the short term, TCID has adjusted operations help contain the leak and prevent water from spreading further into critical areas. However, a long-term fix will be required to protect the powerhouse and prevent potential damage to transformers and other infrastructure.

“We can’t ignore this,” Stix said. “If we don’t act soon, we could be looking at a much bigger and more expensive problem down the road.”

TCID will continue monitoring the situation and evaluate repair options before determining the next steps.

As the irrigation season approaches, the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District (TCID) announced that its annual Water Users Meetings will take place on Thursday, March 27, at 6 p.m. in the Buckland Room at the Convention Center.

The meetings provide local farmers, ranchers, and water rights holders with critical updates on water allocations, delivery schedules, and operational expectations for the 2025 season. TCID officials will also review current storage levels, river forecasts, and any changes to water management policies.

Board members emphasized the importance of public participation, encouraging all water users with specific questions to attend meetings or contact TCID directly. Water users with specific questions are encouraged to attend or contact TCID directly before the meeting.