Pacific Northwest Region

Canal Smart: Tips for Living Near Canals

The New York Canal has been important to the communities and farmers of southern Idaho for more than 100 years. Today, it provides agricultural and residential irrigation to thousands of people. As a responsible citizen living near this vital infrastructure, there are things you can do to help us maintain the canal’s operating integrity.

Canals are not for recreation
The number one thing you need to know about living near canals is that they are usually government or private property and should not be used for recreation. Every year more Idaho children and adults drown in canals more than in any other body of water in Idaho.

Purpose of the canal
Irrigation is the primary purpose of the New York Canal. The water is deep, cold and fast-moving. The average depth is 7 to 10 feet and the sides are very steep and slippery. Trespassing in or on any canal can be dangerous for children, adults and pets. Tragedy can occur in the blink of an eye. Don’t even take that chance.

How you can help

• Avoid cutting into the canal embankment.
• Do not trespass or encroach within the canal right of way – this includes planting a garden, landscaping, or construction.
• Abstain from watering or irrigating the slope of the canal.
• Do not dump trash or other waste into the canal.
• Report unusual conditions such as:
• seepage or wet areas on the downhill side of the canal;
• burrowing rodents;
• obstruction to the flow of water in the canal; and,
• unauthorized drainage into the canal.
• In an emergency, call 911.

Contacts