Irrigation Notice

(KEARNEY, Neb.) — Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office recently put out this very good reminder that applies to all farms across Nebraska, not just in Buffalo County.

Please keep irrigation water off our roadways.

Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office has recently received numerous complaints about center pivot irrigation end-guns spraying onto public roads.

This isn’t just a road maintenance issue.  It can create a serious and unexpected hazard for motorists. Water on the roadway can affect traction and visibility, while repeated saturation can damage the road surface and shoulders and create additional maintenance problems.

We understand mechanical problems can happen. However, irrigation systems must be properly equipped and operated to prevent end-guns from spraying onto public roads.

Failure to comply is a Class IV misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.

Nebraska Revised Statute 39-302:

39-302. Roads; sprinkler irrigation system; restrictions; violations; penalty.

A sprinkler irrigation system which due to location or design diverts, or is capable of diverting, water onto or across a public road so as to saturate, wash, or impair the maintenance, construction, or passability of such public road or allows water to accumulate on the roadway or traveled surface of the public road shall be equipped with a device which will automatically shut off the endgun of the irrigation system causing such diversion or accumulation of water. Any person who fails to comply with this section shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of a Class IV misdemeanor, except that section 39-301 shall be controlling with respect to mechanical malfunctions and normal weather conditions.