Easements and Rights of Way
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IRRIGATION EASEMENTS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY?
WHAT IS A CANAL EASEMENT?
- A canal easement includes the irrigation facility and enough land along both banks to allow access for operation, cleaning, maintenance and repair. The width of the easement will vary depending on the facility.
- Access allows operators to remove sediment and other debris mow, spray/burn and refurbish facilities and to perform other maintenance activities.
- It is NOT required for a canal easement to be recorded or notated on your deed(s). Mere existence of the facility constitutes notice of the canal easement.
- Canal easements are NOT public property and are NOT open to public use. Unauthorized third-party use of this land is a trespass.
WHAT ARE THE IRRIGATION DISTRICT'S DUTIES?
- The irrigation district must operate and maintain the facilities to minimize the risk of overtopping the banks, failure of the facility and/or blockage. This includes regular monitoring of water flows, ditch banks and irrigation structures.
- All storm water runoff and overflow or any other runoff water shall be contained on site and not allowed to funnel into the District’s canal.
- Canal easements are necessary to perform these duties. ACCESS MUST NOT BE BLOCKED.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I ENCROACH ON THE CANAL EASEMENT?
- Encroachments onto the canal easements interferes with access for operation, cleaning, maintenance and repair activities.
- Contact Wenatchee Reclamation District BEFORE YOU BEGIN any construction, landscaping or other activity with the canal easement.
- Any unauthorized encroachments will be removed AT YOUR EXPENSE.
- The irrigation district can give you information about its facility. This may include: The scope of the canal easement, including the access necessary to operate, clean, maintain and repair the facility; and
Any policies and/or procedures regarding encroachments and/or modifications - We appreciate your cooperation in working to protect our irrigation facilities. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.