Irrigation Modernization

The capability of irrigation districts to provide high levels of customer service and to participate in external activities such as water transfers may be constrained by outmoded water control facilities and operational practices. A first step in rectifying this condition is assessment of district facilities and operations. This assessment lays the foundation for a master plan, a program for improving existing facilities and procedures to enable the district to meet current and projected operational requirements. The master plan then guides a sequenced program likely to include rehabilitation of existing features, installation of new structures and modernization of communication and control facilities to permit more accurate, responsive management of water. A central aspect of system modernization is effective management of flow and water quality data, a capability that grows in importance as district operations are subjected to increasing public scrutiny. Gentek Consult assists districts in developing focused, cost-effective strategies for collection and management of data and in designing data management protocols to ensure quality and compatibility. The aim of both the broad data management strategies and of the detailed protocols is to provide highly reliable information to district managers. Gentek Consult has the expertise to work closely with district staff to develop programs for system modernization that are tailored to the district's specific needs for improved control of water and data. In addition, we are able to assist districts in identifying the financial and technical resources needed to supplement the district's own capabilities for implementation of a modernization program.