16 POTATO GROWER | SEPTEMBER 2016
159850BanCom12h.indd 1 2/24/16 11:58 AM
GROWER OF THE MONTH
SWIMMING IN IT
Water is a major concern of growers the
world over, and that's no different for
the Fazios. While many potato-growing
regions of the U.S. are concerned about
getting enough water, however, the Fazios
worry about having too much of it.
"We have never once had to worry about
having enough water," says David Fazio.
(Average annual rainfall in the area is
about 40 inches. "In fact, almost every
drop that rains on this island has to get
pumped out. We spend $100,000 a year in
electricity to get rid of water."
The water level in the rivers surrounding
Sauvie Island is often higher than much
of the island's farmland—especially
during the winter months—and seeping
water forms unwanted ponds and mud
holes. A drainage district operates year-
round to manage water levels on the
island, and when water isn't being used
to irrigate, it's getting pumped back into
the rivers. With such a wet climate, fungal
diseases—particularly late blight—are
also a constant threat.
Four high-powered pumps spend
much of the year pumping excess
water off of Sauvie Island and back
into the rivers surrounding it.
