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Canal modernization in Central California Irrigation District - case study

Date

2005-10

Authors

Burt, Charles, author
Stoddard, Robert, author
Landon, Russell, author
White, Chris, author
Freeman, Beau, author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher

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Abstract

Central California Irrigation District (CCID) provides water from the Mendota Dam northward approximately 110 miles, through and to its service area of approximately 120,000 irrigated acres. CCID enjoys a substantial advantage of having some of the most senior water rights in California, but is simultaneously challenged by serious (and increasing) water quality restrictions for its return flows into the San Joaquin River. Recent California law recognizes water transfer as a reasonable and beneficial use of water. Therefore, CCID has begun an aggressive program to modernize its canal system with the goal of improving water delivery service and increasing project irrigation efficiency. Funds received from conserved and transferred water are used to expand the modernization program. The net effect is improved water supply to other users and improved water management for the downslope drainage system. This paper will address the district’s motivation for modernization, the development of the modernization plan, challenges encountered, the roles of various players (consulting engineer, district, integrator, contractors, ITRC), and technical details regarding project implementation. Currently, approximately 40% of the initial modernization plan has been implemented, including downstream control, upstream control, and a large regulating reservoir - all automated with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).

Description

Presented at SCADA and related technologies for irrigation district modernization: a USCID water management conference on October 26-29, 2005 in Vancouver, Washington.

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