Irrigation Districts Formed within Bureau of Reclamation Projects:

1) Are Incorporated Entities with a defined boundary.

2) Are Self-Governed by the people they serve.

3) Each district holds its own contract with the Bureau of Reclamation.

4) Each district is tasked with the operation & maintenance of the water conveyance system and administers the water in accordance to the State adjudicated water rights.

5) Each district is allowed to set rates, rules and policies to fairly and adequately maintain its operations.

Historically the canals, laterals, and drainage systems, constructed under the Bureau of Reclamation, were intended and designed for production agriculture on large acreage parcels. The majority of these conveyance systems are still owned by the Bureau of Reclamation. At the time of their construction, Easements and Right of Ways were not surveyed in accordance to metes and bounds descriptions, rather they were surveyed in accordance to "Water Runs Down Hill". Subsequently not all lands within an irrigation district have water rights; however, all land owners with a prescriptive water conveyance easement (both above and below ground)  within a district's boundaries are subject to its rules and policies.