Eureka Ditch Pipe & Valve Improvement Project

Montezuma Castle Highway Lateral

Completed in March of 2025

The Eureka Ditch community continues to thrive thanks to the dedication and cooperation of its shareholders. One recent example of this teamwork in action is the Montezuma Castle Highway Eureka Ditch Pipe & Valve Project near Merchant Lane, which serves shareholders on the east side of Montezuma Castle Highway.

Project Overview

The project aimed to modernize and improve water delivery efficiency by upgrading key components along this lateral. Specifically, the scope included:

• Replacing the existing valve at the irrigation box.
• Installing new pipe through the existing culvert under Montezuma Castle Highway near Merchant Lane.
• Installing a new valve on the east side of the highway.

These improvements ensure better control of water flow, reduce maintenance needs, and support reliable irrigation for all east-side shareholders.

Costs & Contributions

While the initial estimated cost was around $3,000, the final total came closer to $4,600.
Thanks to resourcefulness and community support, costs were kept reasonable:

• Valve Savings: Zach Hauser secured a valve valued at $3,500 for just $1,000 — a substantial contribution to the project’s affordability.
• Shareholder Support: Each shareholder provided a voluntary donation of $200 to help fund the work.
• Labor & Equipment: The majority of labor and equipment were generously donated by Hauser & Hauser Farm, with additional help from neighbors who volunteered their time. Some remaining tasks were completed with paid labor as needed.

The project was entirely financed by the shareholders on the east side of Montezuma Castle Highway who receive water from this lateral.
No money from the Eureka Ditch Company was used for this project.

Community Collaboration

This project is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when the Eureka Ditch community comes together. Through shared effort and investment, shareholders not only improved vital irrigation infrastructure but also strengthened the cooperative spirit that defines the ditch.

Special thanks to Zach Hauser of Hauser & Hauser Farms, Bill Feldmeier, Johnny Staub, neighboring volunteers, and all contributing shareholders whose dedication made this upgrade possible.

Looking Ahead

With the new valves and pipe in place, shareholders along the east side of Montezuma Castle Highway can look forward to a more reliable, efficient, and easily maintained irrigation system for years to come.

The Eureka Ditch Board expresses deep gratitude to everyone involved for ensuring the continued success of our water delivery system — a lifeline for local agriculture and community.

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