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Irrigation Delivery Projects (IDPs)

The MRGCD’s Conservation Program has identified an initial list of five Pilot Projects that will look at irrigation delivery efficiency within our system.  These five canals are; Durand Lateral (IDP1), Gabaldon Lateral (IDP2), Gallegos Lateral (IDP3), Pueblo Acequia (IDP4), and San Francisco Lateral (IDP5).  These projects will initially be focused on determining the existing efficiency rate in these canals through the installation of inflow and outflow measurement structures and telemetry equipment, along with enhanced delivery control structures.  Following a full year of base-line data collection, the District will be able to recommend and implement more efficient on-farm infrastructure and application techniques within these areas.  The long-term goal of the IDPs is to further increase the District’s ability to serve farmers and irrigators while continuing to improve the efficiency of our irrigation delivery network.

DURAND LATERAL IRRIGATION DELIVERY PROJECT

DURAND LATERAL LONG CRESTED WEIR

This long-crested weir was installed at the tail end of the Durand Lateral in Albuquerque’s south valley in early 2020 and represents the first Irrigation Delivery Project (IDP) structure to be completed under the MRGCD’s Conservation Program. The weir maintains a near constant pool elevation upstream and allows for consistent and efficient irrigation of adjacent fields. A secondary function of the weir is to serve as the outflow measurement for the Durand Lateral. Combined with inflow readings at the lateral heading via a broad-crested weir, the District can obtain accurate farm delivery and consumptive use volumes for the entire ditch. With this information, the District can then isolate and improve inefficient on-farm operations along the entire length of the ditch.

DURAND LATERAL LONG CRESTED WEIR

View from upstream of the weir during construction.

DURAND LATERAL LONG CRESTED WEIR

Here is the Durand Lateral long-crested weir in operation.