The Lewiston Orchards Project was originally constructed by private interests, beginning in 1906. Most of the project features have been rehabilitated or rebuilt by the Bureau of Reclamation. A full irrigation water supply is delivered to project lands totaling 3,841 acres, and a dependable domestic water system is provided for 14,734 residents. The project provides a supplemental irrigation water supply for 9,549 acres of land. The principal construction feature is the enlarged Little Wood River Dam and Reservoir that serve previously constructed diversion and distribution works.
Flood control is provided by operation of the reservoir on a forecast basis.
The natural flow of Mann Creek historically has been near its lowest point during the growing season when the demand for irrigation water is at its highest. Project development provides for storage of winter and spring flows of Mann Creek for use later in the irrigation season. The Michaud Flats Project provides irrigation for 11,206 acres along the Snake River adjacent to the town of American Falls in southeastern Idaho. Return flow is used on as much of the land as it will serve, and ground water is pumped from wells to serve the remainder. The project area is part of 65 square miles of flat rolling land south of the Snake River between Pocatello and Eagle Rock known as the Michaud Flats.