The turlock irrigation district, located in the central valley, will improve and automate five drop structures on its main canal, allowing operators to control water levels remotely instead of through…

The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, through its WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America's Resources for Tomorrow) program (CFDA 15.507), awarded a $4,511,673 project grant to the Turlock Irrigation District (TID) located in California's Central Valley. The funding will enable TID's Civil Engineering Division to improve and automate five drop structures on the district's main canal. This project involves modifying the drop structures, installing new automated gates, and integrating telemetry and communications equipment to allow for remote water level control and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) integration. The enhancements are expected to result in annual water savings of 2,241 acre-feet by reducing spills and the need for groundwater pumping. The conserved water will remain in the system and be made available to help meet shortages during drought years. The project is scheduled for completion by March 31, 2027.

The turlock irrigation district, located in the central valley, will improve and automate five drop structures on its main canal, allowing operators to control water levels remotely instead of through manual adjustments. The district will modify the drop structure, install new automated gates, and install telemetry and communications equipment to allow for supervisory control and data acquisition integration. The project is expected to result in annual water savings of 2,241 acre-feet by reducing spills and the need for groundwater pumping. The conserved water will remain in the system and be made available to meet shortages during drought years.