In case of a water leak or other water emergency call Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District at 208-746-8235.
Access to Your Water Meter
Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District meter reader reads your domestic meter once every three months. Please keep the area around your meter clear of objects so we may access it when needed. In most cases the access to your meter is for meter reading, inspection, repair, installing, or maintenance. If you need something done in or to your meter service please contact the office at 208-746-8235.
LEAKS
Click here for more information.
LOW WATER PRESSURE
Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District occasionally receives calls from customer complaining of low water pressure. Often it’s identified as low flow rather than low pressure.
In older homes, mineral deposits accumulate over time on the interior of the service pipe. This accumulation of minerals and corrosion decreases the interior pipe diameter, creates a rough inner surface and also reduces the available area for water flow. All of these contribute to a reduction in flow. The older the pipe, the worse the internal build-up problem and the lower the flow delivery will be.
If you have experienced a recent drop in pressure or have other questions regarding the actual pressure at a specific location call the LOID office at (208)746-8235.
Please Note: The District is responsible for the water pressure at the service. If the residence has low pressure and the water pressure is good at the service, the problem becomes the property owner’s responsibility.
WATER METERS
Your water meter is usually located in the ground under a cast iron or plastic cover. The domestic meter measures the amount of water used in your household.
LOID has a meter reader that opens the meter can and reads your meter. Our meter reader is often spotted throughout the District driving an orange Kubota.
Meter lids are made of cast iron or hard plastic – hard enough to support the weight of a car, but not able to support heavier vehicles. Also, be cautious with your lawn mower or lawn aerator spikes. They can damage the meter lids.
Please keep the area around your water meter clear of objects so our meter reader can access as needed. If you are planning to do a landscape project near the meter lid, please be sure to leave the lid exposed. Do not place rocks, flower pots or other objects on the meter lid.
If you have any questions regarding the meters or meter lids, call the LOID office at 208-746-8235.
INTERRUPTION TO SERVICE
From time to time your water service may be interrupted. LOID staff attempts to notify patrons that may be affected by planned improvements or repairs. However, there are times when patrons are impacted and not notified due to a break in the lines. LOID staff work hard to keep the interruption brief.
Other reasons for your water service to be discontinued is for nonpayment. LOID turns off domestic water service once your account becomes 120 days past due and will discontinue your irrigation service once a lien has been placed on the property for nonpayment.
If your water has been discontinued or if the appearance, smell, and/or taste of your water is different, call the LOID office at 208-746-8235
Note: Discolored water when using hot water may indicate a problem with the hot water tank, which is the responsibility of the patron.
FROZEN PIPE PREVENTION
Frozen pipes burst because as water freezes, it expands. With enough expansion, pipes will develop cracks. The cracks may not be visible but they will leak nonetheless when the ice melts.
Frozen Pipe Prevention
Know the location of your water shut-off switch in your home and test it regularly. If a pipe breaks, you won’t want to try to find the shut-off then, or worse, wait for someone to arrive to find it for you.
Turn off and drain automatic and manual sprinkler systems before the first freeze.
Turn off outdoor faucets and be sure to disconnect hoses from them. Make sure the faucet and outside pipes are fully drained. Release any water in the pipe. Disconnect hoses to ensure that freeze-proof faucets will drain to avoid damage to the hose from freezing water.
Winterize unheated or vacant buildings.
Insulate water pipes that may be vulnerable to the cold.
During a Freeze
Open cabinet doors leading to exposed pipes, such as under sinks, so household air can warm them.
If you have an attached garage, keep the door(s) shut.
Keep your thermostat set above 65 degrees when leaving your house or business for several days.
Frozen Pipes
Don’t wait. Call a plumber as soon as possible.
If you do it yourself, shut off the water or test the shut off valve.
If your outside spigot freezes, open it right away. This may relieve enough pressure to prevent the pipe from bursting. If there is a slow trickle of water at the faucet, leave the faucet open. The flowing water will help prevent a complete frozen blockage and may help melt the existing blockage.
When thawing pipes, remember slower is better. Pipes that are warmed too fast may break. A hair dryer is appropriate. A blow torch or open flame is not.