A project to improve water quality for farms in the Lower Boise River Valley is underway in Parma.
A groundbreaking ceremony took place this morning, marking the start of construction for sediment basin designed to hold more than 2,000 tons of material, resulting in cleaner water for irrigation in fields that are downstream from the basin.
Local farmers who hold shares in the Farmer's Cooperative Ditch Company can apply to the Soil Conservation Office for funds to implement water-conserving irrigation methods in their fields.
Ditch company board member Tom Johnston says cleaner water will make it easier for the farmers to conserve water.
"Water that is heavily concentrated with sediments -- it wears out pumps, it doesn't make the irrigation system efficient, and we're getting cost-share money to do these projects, and we encourage those projects because it's so much more efficient,” said Johnston.
The sediment from the basin will go to improve the soil on Canyon County farmland.
Johnston says the basin should be fully functioning by next year's irrigation season.
The project is a joint venture by the nonprofit ditch company and federal, state, and Canyon County governments.