Top 5 Considerations for Canal to Pipeline Conversion Projects

By Gary Vert, PE, CFM

In order to modernize today’s irrigation water delivery systems, many irrigation districts have converted their earthen canals to pipelines. From durable, long-lasting materials to reduced operation and maintenance, pipelines can not only help conserve water, but improve efficiencies as well. Achieving these project benefits takes careful planning. From our experience, there are five important considerations for canal-to-pipeline conversion projects.

In my last article, I discussed why converting open irrigation channels into pipelines may be the most feasible, sustainable, and practical solution to address irrigation system inefficiencies. But irrigation districts should also think about the five following considerations: