CAN I PERFORM MAINTENANCE ON CANAL STRUCTURES?
Photo credits: (left) AZ Central; (midlle UA WRRC; (right) GVID
Yes, with assistance. Support available.
As canal structures are owned and maintained by the local canal companies, parties interested in conducting work on such structures should first contact GVID, the overseeing body, for guidance on how to proceed. GVID may be able to provide assistance or guidance to help achieve your project goals.
Regular maintenance of irrigation canals and drainage ditches can help reduce leakage and increase overall water supply available for crop application and return flows.
Maintenance of lateral ditches is the responsibility of the property owner. NRCS, Arizona Dept. of Agriculture, and your local cooperative extension agents may have suggestions for how others have resolved issues on their properties.