DISTRICT PROFILE
Improving Flow Accountability at the Columbia Improvement District
CID General Manager Mark Maynard.
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balancing out system water during the peak of the irrigation season and preventing any breakdowns of the pump system. According to Mr. Maynard, “Our pumps are getting old: We just recently had to replace our river pumps, and the pumps in the boosters are showing their age. It is hard to keep them up and running in July and August. In addition, it is difficult to run our pumps efficiently.� The CID board identified old propeller meters as a source of those ongoing challenges. The meters needed to be upgraded to increase accuracy and dependability and to decrease maintenance costs. At the end of last year, at the behest of his board, Mr. Maynard issued a request for bids on the replacement of district flow meters with the goal of installation and operation prior to the start of the irrigation season in March. The district was looking to retrofit 25 meters on pipes ranging from 12 inches to 34 inches in diameter. IRRIGATION LEADER
PHOTO COURTESY OF COLUMBIA IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AND MCCROMETER.
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he Columbia Improvement District (CID) in Boardman, Oregon, is working to maximize the capabilities of its water infrastructure with the goals of improving system efficiency and reliability to better serve district members. CID General Manager Mark Maynard has led an initiative to automate and improve efficiency throughout the CID system. The installation of McCrometer FPI Mag meters has been a critical component of that effort. Situated off the southern banks of the Columbia River, CID provides water to 18,000 acres of farmland via a 7-mile main canal, 6 pumps off the Columbia River, 30 booster stations, and a large network of pipelines throughout the area. On average, CID pumps 76,000 acre-feet of water from the Columbia every year. Farmers in district grow potatoes, onions, sweet corn, and peas. Two of the biggest challenges for the district are
