Water Conveyance Loss and Designing Conveyance System

Abstract

The conveyance efficiency in irrigation projects is poor due to seepage, percolation, cracking, and damaging of the earth channel. Seepage loss in irrigation water conveyance system is very significant, as it forms the major portion of the water loss in the irrigation system. Irrigation conveyance losses controlled through lining may reduce the drainage requirement and also enhance irrigation efficiency. As such, reliable estimates of quantities and extent of seepage losses from canals under pre- and post-lining conditions become important. Various methods are used to estimate the canal seepage rate. The loss in conveyance is unavoidable unless the canal is lined. Lining may be done with a large variety of materials. Selection of a suitable one depends mainly on cost, performance, durability, and availability of lining materials.