*   Water is diverted into ditches according to the irrigation schedules of the farmers. The amount of water in the ditch, whether full or empty, may seem unpredictable and come as a surprise or danger to unwary or incautious residents and children along the ditch.

*   Water can be quickly moving. Fast-moving water in a narrow channel can sweep a person away.

*    Many ditches receive storm water during times of rain; the flow and depth of water dramatically increases.

*    The water is cold. Ditch water in early spring can be 40 degrees. This is very cold and can quickly disable a person.

*    Deep water, with turbulence and underflows can drag even a strong swimmer under. One can easily become trapped.

*   Steep slopes and slippery walls on the sides of ditches can make it very difficult to get a handhold and climb out of the ditch.

*    Grates, culverts, headgates, and spillways present special hazards. These can quickly trap a person and hold them underwater.

*    Low head dams, drop and check structures present special dangers. They can create what is known as a “drowning machine” where the backwash below the dams traps anyone that falls into it, and forces them down where they are re-circulated around and around under water.

*   Siphons (underground water-filled tunnels or pipelines) are especially dangerous. Even professional divers have a hard time in these situations because of strong flowing water with no escape point or access to open air.