The Jocko K Canal irrigation service area is under construction as the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project puts almost 18 miles of pipe into the ground to rehabilitate, better and modernize water delivery to the area.

The Jocko Service Area was identified as a high-priority and is a collaborative effort between Morrison-Maierle engineering firm, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Flathead Indian Irrigation Project staff and contractors. During the off-season, Prospect Construction and Knife River Corporation were contracted to complete the first four phases of the project, which includes installing eight-inch to 48-inch diameter piping into the ground.

Casey Ryan, division of engineering and water resources manager of the CSKT Natural Resources Department, explained that the canal network has been in place for more than 100 years and was dug into porous glacial outwash. Ryan said Bureau of Indian Affairs studies estimate that more than 50% of water was lost before it reached crops. The BIA manages the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project.

Ryan said his department has been charged by Tribal Council to take on the design and construction of these modernization projects. He said they have a couple of other projects they are planning to bid out within the next year. 

“The project converts it from that open, unlined, really inefficient canal built into gravel, and it would install a pressurized pipe delivery network,” Ryan said. “After the water gets diverted into the pipe, it then utilizes gravity as it flows downhill to build up pressure within the pipe. When a farmer turns on at their existing point of diversion, that water is now pressurized.”

Ryan explained a farmer or rancher would previously have to pump water out of the canal but now that water will be pre-screened, which he calls a "significant economic savings for the irrigator.” 

Most of the project will be constructed within the current footprint of the canal network. Ryan explained there are some areas where they will make adjustments, which they have communicated with landowners. If piping is not feasible in certain areas, Ryan said they may line the canals instead. 

In 2024, the point of diversion at the base of the Jocko Canyon was redone. Ryan explained that this will almost completely reduce the loss of water.  

According to the CSKT Water Compact website, the design flow rates will be up to 20 cubic feet per second per segment. The project improvements will create on-demand reliability for irrigators, improve water efficiency for native species, and create other hydrologic and environmental benefits.  

“It conserves water, but it also significantly enhances the reliability of delivery for irrigators. So, whenever you have a project that can benefit fish and farmers, those are fun projects to work on, because they're a win,” Ryan said.  

The total Jocko Pipeline Project includes six phases and will be completed in the 2026 during the off season. Construction is occurring east of Highway 93 between Oliver Thomas Lane and Sod Farm Road. Further information and a list of roads affected by this project can be found at www.csktwatercompact.com/jocko-pipelines/.