Dillon FuhrmanEL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) says Merlon Kidwell, their Watermaster for 50 years, has retired. Joining IID in 1975, Kidwell ensured “the reliable delivery of water to nearly half a million acres of some of the nation’s most productive farmland, as well as to cities, businesses, and industries in California’s Imperial Valley,” IID said. “Being the Watermaster can be a great job, but you have to be able to accept the world as not being perfect,” Kidwell said, who also trained and supervised staff in the trade. “If the water is in the banks when you get to work, then a smart Watermaster will take that as a win. “We are amazed at the expertise this requires, which is exemplified by such dedicated and respected employees as Mr. Kidwell.