MID taking final calls for irrigation water by Oct. 31

MERCED -- The Merced Irrigation District recently announced the irrigation season officially ends at midnight Oct. 31.

Farmers can place water orders over the phone until 5 p.m. Oct. 26. After that, orders can be made through a grower's local distribution system operator.

Water will be provided on a case-by-case basis only if it is available in the operator's area, according to MID officials.

"Given that we faced a dry year this has been an incredibly successful season," said Hicham Eltal, deputy general manager of water resources. "That is due in large part to the excellent cooperation between MID growers and ditch tenders."

MID's automated ordering services can be reached any time at (866) 825-2475.

Customer service representatives are available during regular business hours at (209) 722-2720 or (800) 750-2720.

The MID is at 744 W. 20th St., Merced. The district office is open Monday through Friday during irrigation season from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Beginning Oct. 31, the district prepares for the rainy season.

There's a slight chance of precipitation in the upper Sierra east of Merced through today, according to the National Weather Service in Hanford. In the city of Merced, there's a chance of scattered showers for the next few days.

Reporter Joshua Emerson Smith can be reached at (209) 385-2486 or jsmith@mercedsunstar.com.