Abstract:  The revolutionary advances of computer and communication technologies in the last 10 years have made real-time monitoring and control accessible to most water resource projects, no matter what their size. Automation technologies have proven to be a cost-effective tool for improving the efficiency of water supply and delivery systems. As water becomes increasingly scarce, and therefore, a more valuable commodity, automation systems encourage better water management, water conservation, and reduced operating costs. Since many monitoring and control sites on water projects are in areas remote from the electrical utility grid, it is frequently essential to find alternative sources of power. To meet this need, Reclamation is increasingly relying on solar energy and other sources of alternative power. This activity has recently been aided by work being undertaken at Sandia National Laboratory.

Abstract:  Automating water projects makes economic sense in the Western United States. But is it justified in other parts of the world? The authors feel strongly that it is. This paper discusses the experiences of the Bureau of Reclamation and others in developing, installing, and evaluating low-cost automation systems in the Western United States. It also briefly discusses similar automation projects in China and Malaysia.

Abstract:  The Sevier River Water Users Association (Association), StoneFly Technology (StoneFly), Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), and Utah State University (USU) are working to create a virtual watershed, an accurate real-time representation of the Sevier River watershed displayed on the Internet (www.sevierriver.org). This, coupled with low-cost automatic remote-control on all major structures, makes for near instantaneous decision making. The ability to see what is happening throughout the watershed and to react promptly to changing hydrologic and weather conditions has allowed for consistent improvements in the way the river and irrigation canals are operated. Despite these significant gains, the Association has only scratched the surface of their web site's potential.

Abstract:  Much of the agricultural water distribution infrastructure in the Western United States is aging and in need of upgrade. Water managers now recognize that improvements, to make systems more efficient and responsive, are necessary and they are striving to find cost-effective solutions. Financial pressures on irrigation districts are increasing, making major rehabilitation prohibitively expensive. Projects throughout Utah have demonstrated that even smaller districts can benefit from selective canal automation technologies.