Reclamation Seeking Solutions to Suppressing Evaporative Water Loss from Reservoirs

Written by: Peter Soeth

ReservoirThe Bureau of Reclamation is seeking information from outside sources that may possess a method, technology or material that suppresses the evaporative water loss from reservoirs in an environmentally sound manner that does not negatively impact reservoir operations.

Reclamation projects losing large amounts of water from reservoirs annually to evaporation and studies show that these losses may increase significantly due to climate change. Reclamation is seeking viable solutions to help mitigate the impacts.

This request for information is available at www.fbo.gov, by searching for opportunity number R16PS00576. Interested parties must submit a response by 3 p.m. MDT, March 24, 2016.

Reclamation has been investigating ways to decrease such losses since 1960; however, challenges remain with achieving a low-cost application at large reservoirs, managing the effects of wind, and mitigating wildlife habitat disturbances.

In 2015, Reclamation released a report that examined irrigation demand and evaporation projections. Based on a projected temperature increase of approximately five degrees Fahrenheit in the region, the report estimates that annual evaporation at most of the 12 reservoirs modeled by the study could increase two to six inches by 2080. To view this report, please visit www.usbr.gov/watersmart/wcra/.

This request for information supports Reclamation's Science and Technology Program, a competitive, merit-based, applied research and development program that focuses on innovative solutions for water and power challenges in the Western United States for Reclamation water and facility managers, customers and stakeholders. The program has contributed many of the tools and capabilities Reclamation and Western water managers use today.

Published on March 04, 2016