Modernization of Major Water Supply Facilities without Restricting Operation

Two major supply canals, namely the All American Canal and its Coachella Canal transport Colorado River water into the Imperial and Coachella valleys, respectively. This water is principally used for irrigation of farmland on about 463,000 acres in Imperial Valley, and some 60,000 acres in the Coachella Valley. In both valleys, agricultural production is a major year-round business activity. Hence, neither of these two supply canals can be taken out of service for extended periods for maintenance, repair, and/or modernization. Considered significant elements of the recently negotiated Key Terms for Quantification Settlement and California's Colorado River Water Use Plan (a plan under preparation), portions of these two major supply canals are planned to be concrete-lined. This will reduce a substantial portion of the seepage losses that are now occurring saving approximately 94,000 acre-feet per year. This paper will discuss current planning regarding the alternatives to carry out the concrete lining work without imposing any restrictions on day-to-day water delivery requirements.