Kennewick Irrigation District

09/18/2026

The final day for full water deliveries will be Monday, October 12. Our shut-off process will begin the following day.

While we remain hopeful for favorable winter conditions, a strengthening El Niño and low reservoir carryover increase the possibility that we could face a fifth consecutive year of drought next spring.

We want to thank everyone who followed the voluntary watering schedule this season. Your efforts once again helped us avoid moving to a mandatory schedule! 💪

As we transition into fall, we strongly encourage customers to help strengthen plant root systems by watering deeply. Deep watering encourages roots to grow farther into the soil, helping plants become more resilient during dry conditions.

For guidance on watering and preparing your landscaping for the months ahead, local irrigation and landscaping professionals are excellent resources, as are the WSU Master Gardeners. You can also find more information on our website at kid.org.

09/11/2026

We will never forget.

A Field of Remembrance will be viewable during the 25th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial.

One American flag for every life lost — every parent, every child, every friend and coworker who never made it home. A powerful reminder of what was taken that day, and of the community that came together in its wake.

The field will be viewable beginning at 6:30 a.m. and will remain standing through the close of our evening ceremony (est. 7pm) We invite you to come view it, reflect, and remember with us.

📍 WTC 9/11 Memorial - Southridge Sports & Events Complex
🗓️ September 11, 2026

One flag. One life. One community, remembering together.

Field of Remembrance made possible by our friends at Numerica Credit Union.

09/10/2026

As the 2026 irrigation season winds down, let’s look at where the Yakima Basin’s five storage reservoirs stand heading into the off-season.

The Bureau of Reclamation began its annual “flip-flop” operation around August 27. During this process, releases from the upper reservoirs are reduced while releases from lower reservoirs increase, helping provide river conditions for Chinook salmon spawning while balancing irrigation and storage needs across the basin.

The effects of that shift can be seen in the reservoir graphic. Cle Elum and Keechelus have been drawn down, while water is also being released from Kachess, Bumping and Rimrock. Rimrock currently holds the greatest amount of remaining water.

The blue line on the water-year graph represents this year’s combined reservoir storage. Although storage is higher than it was at this time last year, shown in green, it remains below the historical average shown in red.

Looking ahead, El Niño adds another layer of concern. El Niño occurs when ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific become warmer than average, shifting weather patterns across North America. In Washington and much of the Northwest, El Niño winters often bring warmer and drier conditions.

Warmer winters can also mean that more precipitation falls as rain instead of snow. That distinction is important because the Yakima Basin relies heavily on mountain snowpack or what we call our “sixth reservoir," to store water through the winter and release it gradually during the spring and summer.

El Niño does not guarantee a dry winter, and many factors will influence our water supply over the coming months. However, if warmer and drier conditions develop and the basin does not receive enough mountain snow, we could unfortunately enter a fifth consecutive year of drought in 2027.

We’ll continue monitoring reservoir storage, precipitation and snowpack throughout the off-season and provide updates as conditions develop.

Sources:

https://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/news-release/5397
https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs/northwest/topic/el-nino-northwest-what-can-we-expect
https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/yakima/yaktea.html

09/07/2026

💪 In honor of the hard work, dedication, and achievements of workers everywhere, our office will be closed today, September 7th, and we will reopen tomorrow at 8am.

Wishing you a safe and happy Labor Day!

08/31/2026

Don't forget to sign up for our blood drive coming up on September 17th, right here in our office. Donate and you'll receive a Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and a surprise sticker pack (while supplies last!).

Drive Details:
Site: Kennewick Irrigation District Kennewick
Address: 2015 S. Ely St., Kennewick, WA, 99336
Date: Thr Sep 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00: PM

Visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter KID as the sponsor code to sign up.

08/27/2026

Backpacks are back, and so are busy school mornings! 🎒🚌

Kids will once again be walking, biking and waiting at bus stops, so please remember to slow down, look twice and give everyone a little extra space. A few extra seconds of patience can make all the difference.

Not sure when you’re required to stop for a school bus? Check out the photo below courtesy of the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

For more information, visit:

https://ospi.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/news-center/news-releases/drivers-know-laws-about-school-bus-safety

08/20/2026

See you tonight!

📣 Kennewick National Night Out has a new date!

📅 Thursday, Aug. 20
🕔 5–7:30 p.m.
📍 Southridge Sports and Events Complex and Numerica Pavilion
2901 Southridge Blvd., Kennewick

Join us for an evening of FREE summer fun, food, and community connection.

Bring your family, meet your neighbors, and enjoy activities for all ages, including:
- Free hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs from Tsunami Catering (first 1,000 guests)
- Free Kona Ice (first 850 guests)
- Free rides on the Gesa Carousel of Dreams
- City and community partner vehicle displays
- Meet Kennewick City Council and city staff
- Knockerball Inflatables
- Big Top the Clown

We're excited to partner with Tsunami Catering, Kennewick Police Department Foundation, Kennewick Union Firefighters, Local 1296 and RAZR Restoration to make this event possible. Be sure to stop by their booths and show your support while enjoying the evening.

We can't wait to see everyone on Thursday, Aug. 20, for a fun-filled evening celebrating our community.

Kennewick Parks and Recreation
Kennewick Fire Department
Kennewick Police Department

Image Description:
A graphic for the Kennewick National Night Out event featuring three photos across the top: children riding a carousel, city employees standing near a large public works vehicle, and fire department staff members at an information booth. The graphic announces the rescheduled event on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., at the Southridge Sports and Events Complex, with the City of Kennewick logo at the bottom.

08/19/2026

KID Board Unanimously Appoints Jason McShane as District Manager

PRESS RELEASE:

KENNEWICK, Wash. — The Kennewick Irrigation District Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Jason McShane as District Manager and Board Secretary.

McShane joined KID in 2005 and brings more than 20 years of experience with the District to the position. Most recently, he served as Acting District Manager following three and a half years as Assistant District Manager. He previously served as KID’s Engineering and Operations Manager, where he helped lead major
infrastructure and operational initiatives focused on improving water delivery, system reliability and the management of the District’s water resources.

A graduate of Brigham Young University, McShane earned a bachelor’s degree in civil and environmental engineering in 2005 and became a licensed Professional Engineer in 2010. His appointment provides continuity in leadership and brings extensive institutional, technical and operational knowledge to the position as KID
continues serving its customers and addressing the region’s complex water challenges.

“It is with great pleasure that the Board of Directors has taken action to fill the District Manager position,” Board President David McKenzie said. “We have selected Jason McShane, who has served as both Assistant District Manager and Acting District Manager, for the position. His hard work and passion for the Kennewick Irrigation District make him the right person to continue moving the District forward.”

McShane’s experience extends beyond the District. He co-chairs the Lower Yakima River Subgroup and serves on several regional boards and committees. He also serves as Mayor of the City of Kennewick and is involved with the Benton Clean Air Authority Board, TRIDEC Executive Board and the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce. His regional involvement reflects extensive experience in water-resource planning, infrastructure, local government and community leadership.

McShane also has a strong record of community involvement, including volunteering with The Arc of Tri-Cities, serving youth through his church congregation and coaching youth sports. A longtime Tri-Cities resident who
grew up in the area, he has deep ties to the community KID serves.

As District Manager and Board Secretary, McShane will oversee KID’s day-to-day operations and work closely with the Board of Directors, employees, customers and regional partners to advance the District’s mission and priorities, protect its water resources and rights, strengthen its infrastructure, and provide reliable irrigation service to the community.

About Kennewick Irrigation District

The Kennewick Irrigation District will deliver irrigation water, protect water rights and enhance supply, as authorized by Washington State statutes and federal laws, for the maximum benefit of our community.

08/13/2026

08/11/2026

Today is National 811 Day (8/11) | A timely reminder that safe digging starts before the shovel hits the ground.

Whether you’re planting a tree, installing a fence, replacing a mailbox or beginning a larger project, contact 811 before you dig. Underground utility lines may be closer to the surface than you think.

A simple locate request can help prevent injuries, service disruptions and costly damage. Visit digsafeWashington.com to learn more and submit a request.

Plan ahead. Wait for the marks. Dig safely. 🪏