We have several open irrigation stand boxes in our neighborhood. The major stand box for diverting irrigation water into the neighborhood ditches has several problems -- it is large, tall, and uncovered -- the gates in it need to be replaced -- the handles on the gates are too short and people must lean over into the stand box to grasp them and pull up (a very dangerous situation). What are your thoughts and suggestions about this problem?

Cautionary Note

Since we often have to turn the water in the middle of the night, please, everyone having to pull these gates, be careful.

Buddy System

I have spoken to a few people about this problem and have suggested we use a ''buddy system'' until this problem is fixed. If you have to go and pull this gate, let someone else know you are going and when, or better yet, have someone go with you.