Hayden Lake is shared by many people, for a variety of purposes. For some folks, it is a sole source of domestic water.  It’s a renowned sport fishery and one of the most popular general recreation lakes in North Idaho. That’s why it’s important to remember that every drop of water wasted by poor irrigation practices could contribute to unhealthy lake levels. We are facing a continued, historic drought in Idaho. While the lake is now full, it will be particularly prone to lower water levels as the summer progresses due to an extraordinarily low snowpack in the watershed that feeds it.  Add in the likelihood of hotter temperatures over the summer months, and the importance of efficient watering becomes clear.

Because Dalton Gardens Irrigation pulls directly from Hayden Lake, every excess gallon wasted by irrigation system inefficiencies or damage is one less gallon that stays in the lake.  Lower water levels promote lake weed growth and the continued rise of toxic algal blooms. Overwatering also leads to higher energy costs for your Irrigation District. Their electric bill increases with every gallon their pumps pull from the lake. Those costs could lead to higher yearly rates for you in the future.