Author
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Clemmens, Albert |
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Submitted to: Decennial National Irrigation Symposium
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 11/16/2000 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-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: A decade ago, canal automation was thought to hold the possibility of solving most water control problems. Recent research on canal automation has demonstrated the limitations imposed by the physical infrastructure (e.g., canal properties). Improved service and performance for most open-channel water delivery systems 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 water control and automation. |
