Local government

Electrical system glitch knocks out Owyhee Irrigation District pumping station

ANNEX – An electrical failure at a pumping station north of Ontario last week has cut off water for more than 150 patrons of the Owyhee Irrigation District.

A large electrical arc at the pumping station near Pioneer Road and Oregon Highway 201 knocked out the main power supply at the facility Friday, May 26, according to Clancy Flynn, manager of the Owyhee Irrigation District.

The electrical malfunction shut off water to irrigators north of the plant to Annex, said Flynn.

He said the district is working to repair the electrical system.

“If everything keeps going good it will be up and running in the next couple of days,” said Flynn.

He said between 150 to 200 patrons are impacted by the pump station breakdown.

The electrical failure was unusual, he said.

“It is the first time it has ever happened to the pumping plant since it was built in 1936. So, it’s very rare,” he said.

The Owyhee Irrigation District provides water to about 1,300 patrons across the county.

Flynn said he was not sure how much the repairs would cost the district.

“But the district has insurance so more than likely we will file a claim,” said Flynn.

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