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- Reducing Canal Seepage through Long-Term Performance Linings
Reducing Canal Seepage through Long-Term Performance Linings
Project ID: 1743
Principal Investigator: Michael Walsh
Research Topic: Sediment Management and River Restoration
Funded Fiscal Years:
2017,
2018 and
2019
Keywords: None
Research Question
What are the best practices for canal lining deployment and repair given Reclamation's inventory of diverse irrigation water-delivery canal systems?
Since the completion of a 2002 canal lining study, Reclamation has applied limited resources to advancing the use of state-of-the-art lining methods and materials to reduce seepage. While the scale of the seepage water loss is difficult to quantify, the scope of the consequences of seepage includes economic, legal, environmental/ecological, and safety considerations. Given significant differences in canal length, width, flowrate, and construction (i.e., lined or unlined) plus substantial differences in climate, elevation, ground character, etc., emphasis will be placed on the identification of overarching principles and factors that can be applied in making canal-specific recommendations.
Need and Benefit
Need
Reclamation's Research Roadmap (Technical Memo MERL-2014-54) recognizes the attainment and implementation of "improved, less-expensive canal lining, cover, and repair materials and methods" as one of the highest priority needs for Reclamation's canal inventory. Two of the other six priorities also relate to placement and repair of canal linings.
Benefits
Reduced uncontrolled seepage losses
Longer-lasting and lower-cost lining options
Reduced repair/maintenance and lost-water costs
Enhanced ecological stewardship in localized canal environments
Contributing Partners
Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.
Research Products
Bureau of Reclamation Review
The following documents were reviewed by experts in fields relating to this project's study and findings. The results were determined to be achieved using valid means.
Reducing Canal Seepage through Long-Term Performance Linings (final, PDF, 7.2MB)
By Brian Baumgarten
Research Product completed on September 30, 2019
Canal Lining Demonstration Project – Year 25 Durability Report (final, PDF, 1,019KB)
By Brian Baumgarten
R&D Bulletin completed on September 30, 2019
