Landowners concerned that a proposed water pipeline could ruin their riparian environment and wells discovered Wednesday there may be an easy solution.

At the Nevada Irrigation District board meeting, homeowners along Newtown Road said a proposed 1,600-foot pipeline slated to replace 1,900 feet of the old Newtown Canal could draw their wells down.

The homeowners said seepage from the canal just west of Nevada City has regenerated their wells for years and also helps keep the low-lying area as a wetlands habitat.

The district is proposing the pipeline to increase flows for the Lake Wildwood treatment plant and irrigation users downstream. Currently the Newtown Canal's capacity has been maximized and there is a freeze for hookups for treated and raw water users.

During almost two hours of testimony, several homeowners said they understood NID's plight, but thought a small amount of water routed through the canal would alleviate their concerns.

That happened when the district refurbished the Lower Cascade Canal, and Director Scott Miller said that might be the answer again.

“I see that this issue can be resolved,” said board Chairman John Drew.

The board and district staff will now look over a number of suggestions the homeowners have to resolve the situation, and address it again at a later date.

Drew said there are several problems in the area with septic tanks and pipes from homes that cross the canal that will also have to be dealt with. Homeowners might also be willing to help maintain the canal as a portion of any eventual deal, Drew said.

To contact Senior Staff Writer Dave Moller, e-mail dmoller@theunion.com or call 477-4237.