Aquatic herbicide treatments will occur in irrigation systems starting May 2026.

PUBLIC NOTICE The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District will be making aquatic herbicide treatments beginning in May 2026 and continuing through the end of the 2026 irrigation season. These herbicide treatments will be made pursuant to a Department of Ecology NPDES Irrigation System Aquatic Weed Control Permit for Aquatic Weed Control in Irrigation Systems (Permit No. WAG-991010). The Districts service area is located in Moses Lake, Warden and Othello areas of Grant and Adams Counties. The District operates the East Low Canal and its laterals plus some laterals on the Potholes East Canal. 49 locations on various canals, laterals, wasteways and drains within the Districts service areas will receive these treatments to control the growth of algae, moss and pondweeds. Frequency of treatments varies from as often as biweekly to as seldom as twice per irrigation season depending on location and circumstances. Permanent signs giving notice of aquatic herbicide treatments have been erected at public road crossings of treated waterways within one mile of the treatment sites. The herbicides being used for these treatments are copper sulfate, Captain Aquatic Herbicide (copper), Endothall and Magnicide H (acrolein) which are registered for such use under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Water remains suitable for irrigation use during aquatic herbicide treatments. Treated water is not suitable for drinking or swimming. Individuals desiring additional information about these treatments should contact the East Districts main office in Othello at (509) 488-9671 and ask to speak to the Secretary Manager or Water Quality Supervisor. Inquiries may also be directed to the Department of Ecology Eastern Regional Office in Spokane, (509) 625-5194. East Columbia Basin Irrigation District, 55 North 8th Avenue, Po Box E, Othello, WA 99344 #04006/47272 Pub: March 23, 30, 2026 & April 6, 2026