Reclamation has been collaborating with the Desert Research Institute and Colorado State University to better understand the use of linear anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) to reduce canal seepage. The project has been divided into four main areas – laboratory experiments, quasi-field scale experiments, full-scale canal applications, and environment/human risk characterization. An independent peer review panel of experts has convened several times to provide guidance on the research that is being done for the field and laboratory studies as well as the risk characterization report. A final Risk Characterization Report will be completed in 2007 and will provide water managers with guidance on the use of dry PAM formulations and to what extent PAM is an environmentally acceptable technology. Most of the field experiments will be completed by the end of Water year 2007. If it is determined that PAM applications to canals is environmentally acceptable, guidance will be developed on how best to responsibly apply PAM and what field conditions are most favorable. During Water Year 2005 a series of 30 very controlled experiments were run in a 160-foot long test trough along with some quasi-field scale experiments, to gain an understanding on how and to what extent various application rates of PAM reduced canal seepage. Data from these experiments were used in Water Year 2006 to design and carry-out full scale canal applications on six canals. The main focus of this paper will be on seepage results from applications on three canals in southeast Colorado.
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