Canal automation for water conservation and improved flexibility

Canal automation was investigated in a small canal system to determine if such technology could be adapted to existing canal structures and result in water conservation and improved operational flexibility. Operational and seepage losses exceeded 10 percent of the total diversions prior to the installation of automation. Local officials reported in the first year of operation that losses had been reduced to less than 5 percent and concluded these savings could be attributed to the automation. The estimated value of the reduced losses on the local rental market was twice the total cost of the automation. Detailed studies were conducted to segregate operational and seepage losses. Based on these findings, it is concluded that: (1) canal automation can result in substantial water conservation in small canal applications; (2) canal operations can be substantially more responsive to irrigator demands; and (3) there are substantial and measurable secondary benefits such as reduced travel along the canal.