Water Operations and Maintenance Bulletins

These bulletins provide useful tips and guidance on a wide range of topics for water and irrigation districts so we can all operate at peak efficiency. Don’t miss our latest issue! Subscribe by emailing drowateroandm@usbr.gov.



  • Surveying: Summer 2024, No. 264

    Surveying

    This Bulletin focuses on state-of-the-art surveying operations at the Bureau of Reclamation. It features articles on exciting developments with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), two surveying projects conducted using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), and key aspects of dam and dike monitoring surveys and survey control from a forthcoming best practices manual. There is also an overview of a recent project to cover canals with solar panels to generate renewable energy and increase water efficiency. Finally, we interviewed Karl Stock, California-Great Basin Regional Director, for our Q&A. Get Issue

    • Conveyance: Spring 2024, No. 263

      Conveyance

      This Bulletin highlights Reclamation’s innovative work in water conveyance. Nicholas Casamatta wrote two articles: “Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe Inspection Project” and “Tier 2 Urban Canal Risk Analyses Project.” Gary Pitzer contributed “Despite adversity, Friant-Kern Canal Middle Reach Capacity Correction Project edges to completion.” And Andy Marner and Matthew Shaw updated the seasonal best practices article “Go Slow and Start up Safely.” Our Q&A features Bob Wolf, former Director of Program and Budget. Get Issue

      • Emergency Operations: Winter 2023, No. 262

        Emergency Operations

        This Bulletin came together through collaboration across multiple offices and regions. Amy Darlinton, from the Missouri Basin Region, authored “Emergency Type and Level Categorization.” We received two articles from the Mission Assurance and Protection Organization: Benjamin Claggett’s “Enhancing Emergency Action Plans: an Overview of EMG 02-01 Updates” and Allison Cryns’ “Disaster Support and Deployment.” The Asset Management Division’s Carlos Aragon contributed “Seasonal Documentation: Review and Update.” And our Q&A features Suzanne Henderson, Emergency Management Program Coordinator for the Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region. Get Issue

        • Applied Hydrology: Fall 2023, No. 261

          Applied Hydrology

          This issue features an Applied Hydrology overview and the American River Basin Study and Willow Creek Flood Hazard Analysis Case Studies. "Application of Geographic Information Systems in Wildland Fire Management" explores a project to map and determine wildfire risk for Reclamation assets. "Fall Water Conservation Tips" shares seasonal best practices for water systems operators. And we conducted our Q&A with Sherri Pucherelli, Biologist and Research Coordinator in the Technical Service Center's Ecological Research Laboratory. Get Issue

          • Review of Operation and Maintenance Workshop: Summer 2023, No. 260

            Review of Operation and Maintenance Workshop

            This issue highlights the work of several subject matter experts who presented at the April 2023 Review of Operation and Maintenance Workshop. Learn more about developing guidance for building inspections, the CARMA 2.0 Project, the new Recommendation Management Information System, and uncrewed aerial systems’ innovative capabilities. We are also featuring a retrospective on the 1983 Utah floods and a Q&A with Tim Brown, Chief of Civil Engineering Services Division #1 in the Technical Service Center. Get Issue

            • Infrastructure Programs and Projects: Spring 2023, No. 259

              Infrastructure Programs and Projects

              The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act have allocated unprecedented appropriations to the Bureau of Reclamation to help support infrastructure projects across the West. This issue highlights programs and projects that will benefit from these robust funding opportunities, including the Authorized Rural Water Projects, Water Storage Projects, Aging Infrastructure Account, B.F. Sisk Dam Safety of Dams Project, Lower Colorado River Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program, and Salton Sea agreement. We spoke to Ryan Stewart, Operations Manager, Silt Water Conservancy District, for our Q&A. Get Issue

              • Concrete Testing, Placement, and Repairs: Winter 2022, No. 258

                Concrete Testing, Placement, and Repairs

                In this issue, Concrete and Structural Laboratory subject matter experts discuss high-capacity and complicated structural testing, cold weather concreting and tips for success, and crack mapping and concrete repair. “Water Operation Considerations Across Highly Variable Basins” examines how the Western Colorado Area Office manages a wide range of needs to fulfill its mission to deliver water. And “Water Rights Information Management System” describes the creation of the first Reclamation-owned, centralized water rights database. Finally, many thanks to Deputy Commissioner Michael Brain for participating in our Q&A. Get Issue

                • Reservoir Sedimentation: Fall 2022, No. 257

                  Reservoir Sedimentation

                  While all rivers carry sediments, sedimentation poses unique challenges for reliable water storage and delivery. Better understanding sedimentation, surveying sediment levels, and employing strategies to reduce sediments are essential to Reclamation’s mission. This “Reservoir Sedimentation” issue came together with the help of several sedimentation subject matter experts and contributions from staff throughout the Asset Management Division. We’re also excited to feature an overview of O&M seasonal best practices for the fall and a Q&A with Karen Knight, Director, Dam Safety and Infrastructure. Get Issue

                  • Recreation and Transportation: Summer 2022, No. 256

                    Recreation and Transportation

                    This issue includes “Reclamation’s Recreation Program” along with “Rio Chama Trail Federal Lands Transportation Program Project” to highlight Reclamation’s big picture recreation work and a recent case study. “A Tool to Bridge the Transportation Funding Gap: Reclamation’s Long Range Transportation Plan” reviews how Reclamation’s first long range transportation plan helps connect users to recreation opportunities and safely deliver water. “Lower Yellowstone Project Weir and Fish Bypass” describes construction that allows for the improved passage of migrating pallid sturgeon. And the Q&A features Thomas Michalewicz of the Oklahoma-Texas Area Office. Get Issue