The following Member Operational Guidelines are for the day‑to‑day expectations for members of the Allen & Reno Park Lateral Ditch Company. They support safe operation, responsible water use, and the long‑term function of the historic Allen & Reno Park Lateral. The Board of Directors may revise these guidelines as necessary to support safe and consistent ditch operations. All revisions will be posted on the website and communicated to members through the News & Updates page and email.

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1. Water Use & Delivery

1.1 Irrigation Use Only Water delivered through the Allen–Reno Lateral is for irrigation purposes only. It is not treated or suitable for drinking, household use, or livestock consumption.

1.2 Seasonal Operation Water delivery follows the seasonal schedule determined by the ditch rider and Board. Availability depends on upstream supply and system conditions.

1.3 Water Rotation & Flow During declared drought or low‑flow conditions, members must follow rotation schedules, flow instructions, and any temporary restrictions issued by the ditch rider.

1.4 Emergency Shutoff The ditch rider may shut off water at any time for emergencies, system protection, repairs, or delinquent assessments.

1.5 Reporting Damage, Blockages, or Water Concerns If you notice damage, a blockage, unusual flow, or anything that may affect the operation of the lateral, please report it promptly. For non‑urgent questions and urgent water‑related issues, follow the steps on the Ditch Contact Line & Instructions page in the Member Resources section.

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2. Property Access & Safety

2.1 Access for Maintenance Members must allow reasonable access for ditch inspections, repairs, and maintenance.

2.2 No Unauthorized Excavation The Allen–Reno Lateral is fully piped underground. Members must not dig, expose, or attempt to locate the pipe themselves. For any digging, landscaping, fencing, or construction near the lateral, contact the ditch company for pipe‑location assistance.

2.3 811 Requirements Members must call 811 before any excavation. However, 811 does not locate the Allen–Reno Lateral. Only the ditch company can identify the pipe alignment.

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3. Member Maintenance Responsibilities

3.1 Corridor Maintenance Members are responsible for maintaining the lateral corridor across their property, including keeping access clear, preventing obstructions, and ensuring safe conditions for inspections.

3.2 Alterations Require Approval Any changes affecting the lateral—grading, landscaping, retaining walls, drainage modifications—must be approved by the Board before work begins.

3.3 Liability for Unauthorized Changes Members are responsible for any damage caused by unapproved alterations or construction.

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4. Sump & Pump Requirements

4.1 Post‑1968 Requirement Properties added after 1968 must have a sump and pump system that meets company standards.

4.2 Location & Safety Sumps must be off the main line (Member Service Box), covered (non‑exposed), safe (no extension cords crossing sidewalks), and within Board‑approved size limits.

4.3 Pipe Connections Feeder pipes must follow Board‑approved specifications. Members must not dig to locate the main line. Contact the ditch company for assistance.

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5. Assessments & Compliance

5.1 Annual Assessments Members must pay annual assessments as set by the Board.

5.2 Delinquency Delinquent accounts may result in penalties, water shutoff, legal action, or reversion of water rights after two years (per bylaws).

5.3 Compliance with Rules Failure to follow these rules may result in suspension of water delivery until issues are resolved.

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6. Communication & Updates

6.1 Member Contact Information Members must keep their contact information up to date to receive water notices, maintenance alerts, urgent updates, and meeting announcements.

6.2 Official Communication Channels The ditch company communicates through email, website updates, posted notices (as needed), and USPS mail (as needed).

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7. *Contact for Assistance

For questions about pipe location, construction near the lateral, water concerns, or maintenance needs, members must contact the Allen–Reno Lateral Ditch Company before beginning any work or attempting to expose the underground pipe. Members should never dig, probe, or attempt to locate the lateral themselves.

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*For reporting non‑urgent or urgent water‑related issues—including damage, blockages, unusual flow, or active water concerns—please follow the steps on the Ditch Contact Line & Instructions page found within the Member Resources section.

 

Email: allenrenoditch@gmail.com