Evaluation of Operational and Maintenance Problems in Kerman Irrigation Canals

Irrigation canal lining is considered as one of the most effective strategies to optimal use of water resources. In spite of that a large irrigated areas are equipped for modern irrigation networks and also new irrigation networks are under construction, unfortunately, most of the networks suffer from various problems and result in low efficiency. Therefore evaluation of technical and operational situation of the constructed projects is inevitable in order to rehabilitation and giving remedial measures and approaches. In this study, technical, and operational problems of lined irrigation canals of Kerman Province were studied. To do this, several canals were chosen from different regions of Kerman. The study was carried out in two main parts: observation and measurements. Initially, the whole components of the network were observed and some interviews taken place with the network authorities. In this stage, the characteristics of the canals, water control and distribution structures and also related problems were recorded and analyzed. Subsequently, the water losses and conveyance efficiency of the studied lined canals were measured using input-output method. Based on the overall assessments and measured data, the problems involved with the Kerman canals were found to be numerous mainly; destruction of lining, sedimentation and finally low efficiency. Technical (designing and execution), geotechnical properties of the canal beds were the main reasons for the mentioned problems. Therefore, some suggestions were made to improve the efficiency of irrigation networks. Also it was found that the conveyance efficiency of Kerman lined irrigation canals vary from 57 to 81 percent.