Chikaming C.C. is supplied irrigation water only by the precipitation that lands on the property. Both rain and snowfall are captured by our drain tiles and then retained in our ponds. The entrance pond is the last opportunity for us retain the water before it leaves the property. The pumphouse located near the 13th T pumps water up to our reservoir where it is then stored for later irrigation needs.
All ponds and the reservoir were full this past March. Normally we are able to replenish much of the water that we pull out of the reservoir through large rainfall events during the spring and summer. Obviously, this has not been the case over the past few months.
Drilling a well would be a logical solution, but after a number of test wells were drilled in 1991 only one well showed signs of water. That was only 30 gallons per minute. We need ten times that amount to keep up with our irrigation needs.
So, for now you will see the entrance pond is lower than usual. We are in the process of drawing the entrance pond down and transferring the water to reservoir. Other ponds will follow unless we receive substantial rainfall. In addition, areas on the course will begin to receive less water as the drought continues. The decision to reduce water from these areas will be made by order of importance.
The decision has also been made to buy water from the township. Currently the township is restricting us to around 25-30 gallons a minute at this point so they can also meet the needs of the homeowners and businesses in the area. It is very little but beggars can't be choosers! C'mon rain!
