OTHELLO — The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District has closed its offices to public access in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The closure will be in effect until further notice.

District staff are available by phone at 509-488-9671 to assist landowners. Farmers can pay water bills by mail, by phone or by using a drop box outside the entrance to the main office. Required forms can be mailed, dropped in the drop box or emailed to mgarza@ecbid.org or lsierra@ecbid.org.

“Water orders will be taken by phone at watermaster offices or can be made through your ditchrider,” the press release said. “Deliveries will not be impacted. We are currently priming laterals serving Block 49. Priming the East Low Canal to serve the remainder of the district will begin as scheduled on March 23.”

- Cheryl Schweizer