Water Losses from an Irrigation Canal-Ditch-Dugout System

by N. Foroud, Agriculture Canada Research Station, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada,
F. A. Ross, Agriculture Canada Research Station, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Development and Management Aspects of Irrigation and Drainage Systems

Abstract:

The general limitations of and requirements for accurate determination of water losses from an irrigation distribution system have been identified. A hydrologic water balance technique was developed to assess the water losses from an existing irrigation distribution system containing lined and unlined main canals, farm ditches and dugouts. The study was conducted on a portion of the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District during its normal operation. The technique developed in this research can be used to assess water losses from an existing irrigation distribution system from any irrigation district. It can be used during any given period of time without interfering with farmers' cultural and irrigation practices and the irrigation district's normal operation, and without depending on the ditch rider's estimated flow records.

Subject Headings: Irrigation systems | Irrigation districts | Water supply systems | Canals | Water conservation | Agriculture | Water balance

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