Impervious synthetic lining of deteriorated concrete canals - what are the real cost and benefits to irrigation districts?
Date
2006-10
Authors
Frobel, Ronald K., author
Blair, A. W., author
Halbert, Wayne, author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
The water crisis in arid and semi-arid agriculturally developed areas in the United States has been the focus of increasing concern and numerous studies over the past 10 years. Due to the increased public awareness and seriousness of the water crisis in South Texas along the Rio Grande during the mid to late 1990's, the U.S. Congress enacted Public Law 106-576 entitled "The Lower Rio Grande Valley Water Resources Conservation and Improvement Act of 2000". In general terms, the U.S. Congress authorized water conservation projects for Texas irrigation districts relying on Rio Grande water. One of the conservation measures was the implementation of exposed impervious synthetic linings in the reline of old deteriorating concrete delivery canals that were known to experience significant water seepage loss. The cost effectiveness of "relining" these canals was evaluated based on actual reline costs, water saved and expected O & M costs. This paper will evaluate the design, selection, effectiveness and installation of synthetic lining systems installed in various irrigation districts in Texas. Focus will not only be on water and energy savings but overall effectiveness for impervious synthetics that are designed and manufactured for installation and maintenance by the irrigation districts themselves using their own available personnel and resources.
Description
Presented at Ground water and surface water under stress: competition, interaction, solutions: a USCID water management conference on October 25-28, 2006 in Boise, Idaho.