§ 171.15 - Leaching water.

(a) The Officer-in-Charge is authorized to furnish irrigation water for leaching purposes without the payment of operation and maintenance charges to any Indian trust land, or patent in fee land covered by a repayment contract, as an aid to improve land within the project that is impregnated by alkali or in the development of new project land.

(b) Delivery of such water will depend upon the availability of water and the preparation of a definite plan of operation by the land operator satisfactory to the Officer-in-Charge. In addition, the operator shall agree to meet such reasonable leaching and cropping activities as shall be prescribed by the Officer-in-Charge.

(c) If prompt and beneficial use of the leaching water is not made by or before July 1 of the season for which it is granted, the Officer-in-Charge may declare the leaching permit forfeited. The normal water charges will be considered as assessed and any delinquency enforced as though no leaching privilege had been granted.

(d) In the case of patent in fee lands no water will be delivered for leaching purposes until the annual construction costs, when assessed, are paid.