News Release Archive

Research Alliance to Study Reducing Canal Seepage

Media Contact: Peter Soeth, (303) 445-3615, 08/17/2004 09:04

For Release: August 17, 2004

The Bureau of Reclamation has provided a $140,000 grant to the Desert Research Institute to evaluate water conservation effectiveness and environmental issues of Polyacrylamide (PAM) when used to reduce seepage in irrigation canals in the 17 conterminous western states.

"Understanding the effectiveness of PAM and how it interacts with the environment is important to helping our customers conserve water," said Reclamation Commissioner John Keys. "This research will help us meet the goals of Secretary Norton's Water 2025 by enhancing water conservation, use efficiency, and resource monitoring to allow existing water supplies to be used more effectively."

PAM is relatively new in helping to conserve water. It is spray-applied and forms a layer at the bottom of the canal. This layer combines with the soil particles to seal the canal and reduce seepage. It can be applied at low unit costs.

Water 2025, introduced by Interior Secretary Gale Norton in 2003, encourages voluntary water banks and other market-based measures, promotes the use of new technology for water conservation and efficiency, and removes institutional barriers to increase cooperation and collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and private organizations.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Water 2025