Veg Out Challenge
Managing Aquatic Vegetation in Canals
Launched: October 12, 2022, 12 pm Mountain Time (MT)
Submission Deadline: JANUARY 11, 2023, 3 PM MOUNTAIN TIME (MT)
Awards: $345,000 IN TOTAL PRIZES
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NEWS RELEASE: RECLAMATION AWARDS $80,000 FOR THE VEG OUT PRIZE COMPETITION
The Bureau of Reclamation seeks new and improved methods to manage rooted (or attached) aquatic vegetation in canals. Solutions should reduce the cost and labor required for managing vegetation.
In the western United States, canals are the primary method for transporting water long distances. Canals come in various forms (e.g., lined/unlined, and various shapes, sizes, and capacities) and keeping plants from growing in the canals is a constant effort. Management of aquatic vegetation is necessary because plant growth obstructs canal flow which lowers canal capacities, increases operating elevations and embankment pressure, and can impact water quality. Options for management of vegetation in canals are limited, and can be expensive, dangerous, damaging to the canal substrate, and have unintended downstream effects.
The Veg Out Challenge will be conducted in three phases between October 2022 and October 2024 and evolve from concept to prototype to proof-of-concept. Through the three phases, interaction with Reclamation will increase. Solvers will be offered feedback support during later phases. The ultimate winner will have a chance to field-test their solution with Reclamation.
Reclamation is partnering with NASA Tournament Lab and HeroX on this competition.
Please visit Veg Out Challenge to learn more, compete, and ask your competition specific questions.
Related Documents
Reclamation launches new prize competition looking for aquatic vegetation management solutions
Contact
Connie Svoboda | csvoboda@usbr.gov
