Potential water and energy conservation and improved flexibility for water users in the oasis area of the Coachella Valley Water District, California
Date
2004-10
Authors
Schaefer, Michael, author
Ransom, Michael, author
Clark, Byron, author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
The Oasis Area of the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) consists of approximately 12,000 acres of farmland with 220 water users. Approximately 50,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water are delivered to the area annually. Water is conveyed from the Coachella Canal across the valley in a single irrigation lateral. Once in the Oasis Area, the water enters a small storage tower where it is distributed to 4 sub laterals. All pumps operate off of 2 of the sublaterals which lift 10,000 acre-feet of water annually to 2,000 acres of land. Approximately 265 acre-feet of regulatory discharge and operational spillage occur annually from regulatory meters at the ends of the laterals or from the tower overflow. A study was conducted by JMLord, Inc. to determine the feasibility of improvements to the Oasis Area distribution system of CVWD. Recommended improvements were selected based on their ability to provide water and energy conservation and to increase flexibility in water ordering by, and delivery to, water users within operational limits. The basis of the Feasibility study of the Oasis system provides a discussion and recommendation for the following: 1. Improving efficiencies of the seven (7) booster pump stations; 2. Replacing/upgrading water distribution controls at each of the seven (7) booster pump stations to facilitate improved leak detection and to increase flexibility in water ordering by, and delivery to, water users within operational limits; 3. Constructing an operating spill and regulatory recovery systems, which includes associated collection, conveyance and pumping facilities; and 4. Automating the distribution system. The overall benefit cost ratio of recommended improvements was 1.90 with an annualized cost of $78,743 and an annual benefit of$149,610. Recommended improvements include upgrading six of seven pump stations with variable frequency drives and SCADA controls, connecting regulatory meters to existing farm reservoirs and installation of flow meters, and construction of a regulating reservoir with a high water elevation equal to that of the tower.
Description
Presented during the USCID water management conference held on October 13-16, 2004 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The theme of the conference was "Water rights and related water supply issues."