Unique Idea to Keep Irrigation Canals Clear

To keep the canals flowing across the Idaho flatlands, the Bureau of Reclamation has come up with a one-of-a-kind way to scan the canals for algae growth and obstructions

In a semi-arid desert environment like the Treasure Valley that accumulates less than 15 inches of rain a year, irrigation canals leading from reservoirs are essential to growing crops.

To keep the canals flowing across the Idaho flatlands, the Bureau of Reclamation has come up with a one-of-a-kind way to scan the canals for algae growth and obstructions.

Their plan is to have a large, gas powered RC boat scan the depths of Treasure Valley canals for algae growths.

"Algae is a real problem in that when they're uncontrolled, they can diminish flow capacity at canals, clog up inlets where we divert the flow, and even damage equipment," Dale Lindeman with the Bureau of Reclamation explained.

The boat will be outfitted with a standard fish finder to chart the bottom of the canals which will ultimately help officials identify problem areas that need work.

Sandy Rock who owns Action Hobbies has been contracted to build the initial boat and couldn't be more excited.

"Oh, I thought it was awesome. You can sign me up. I was all excited," Rock explained.

The Bureau of Reclamation wants Idahoans to note that the boat is not a toy, and canals should never be treated lightly.

Kids often drown in the canals every year, and officials don't want the craft to lure in an unwatched child living near a canal.

If the product works well and does its job, building sonar outfitted crafts could become a standard for other irrigation districts around the country.

Source: JRN

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Taxonomy

• Agriculture
• Canals
• Irrigation
• Irrigation and Drainage
• Irrigation & Water Management
• Irrigation Management
• Irrigation Scheduling
• Irrigation Department
• Participatory Irrigation Management
• Reclamation
• Canals