Author
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Clemmens, Albert |
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Submitted to: Irrigation Australia
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 5/23/2000 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Competition for limited water supplies has escalated substantially over the last decade, and agricultural water users are under pressure to use water more judiciously. Agricultural water purveyors are being pressed by other water users to improve water measurement, control, and accounting, while their water users are demanding more flexible water deliveries so they can compete in the marketplace and implement water conservation measures on the farm. Operation of irrigation-water delivery systems can be improved by providing canal operators with better tools for determining control actions. One such tool is computerized automatic control of canal gates. This technology, however, is not routinely available to irrigation district personnel and consultants. The paper provides a progress report on this development of canal automation as a technology for improving water delivery operations and service. These results should be of use to irrigation districts, consultants, and the Bureau of Reclamation. Ultimately, better management of irrigation water supplies will conserve water and benefit the environment. Technical Abstract: The amount of flexibility provided by irrigation water delivery systems and their ability to supply the needed flows can have a large impact on the performance of farm irrigation systems. The last two decades have seen a gradual shift in the attitudes and practices of irrigation water purveyors--from supply-oriented water retailers to demand-oriented service providers. Yet even where water ordering and operational philosophy are more demand orientated, significant improvements in operations and water control are still possible. Improved delivery service and performance are possible with a comprehensive water control strategy, including some aspects of canal automation. This paper discusses the progress that has been made on the theory and application of canal automation, the limitations imposed by the physical system, and future directions in the improvement of irrigation water delivery systems. |
