03/27/08

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ Irrigation canals in the Treasure Valley are
set to be filled on Monday, and officials are warning residents to
stay away from the dangerous waterways.

The Idaho Statesman reports that an average of three children
drown in Idaho canals every year.

The Nampa and Meridian Irrigation District has more than 500
miles of canals, as well as smaller lateral canals and drainage
ditches.

Even though the water in canals looks placid, it actually runs
fast and cold -- about 27,000 gallons of water can pour through a
headgate in a minute. And the water is around 45 degrees -- cold
enough to quickly cause hypothermia.

The Nampa & Meridian Irrigation District provides water for
about a fifth of Boise, most of Meridian and Nampa, a portion of
Caldwell and other areas in Ada, Canyon and Boise counties.
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(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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