STORMWATER AND IRRIGATION CANALS - EMERGING ISSUES

摘要

Acceptance and management of stormwater in irrigation ditches and canals has historically been challenging, primarily related to canal infrastructure protection and excess flow management. As is the case with many topics related to canal operations and management, new challenges are on the horizon. Ditches and canals in urbanizing areas have been used to receive and convey stormwater, both with and without the concurrence of the canal owner. Canals can receive stormwater from a variety of sources, including direct discharge from storm drainage systems, unconcentrated flows from adjoining property, and detention/retention vessels. These flows can be altered, in both quantity and timing, from historic stormwater inflows and may render current canal operational approaches or structures inadequate. Irrigation districts or companies which have agreed to accept stormwater, intentionally or unintentionally, may have also accepted the liability for damage to adjoining properties resulting from flooding caused by this stormwater. Irrigation districts or companies which have or may be considering accepting stormwater should understand the current (and ever-changing) regulatory environment, their liability and future obligations, and seek adequate agreementsto protect their constituents. They also need to ensure that they are adequately compensated for acceptance of additional risk and liability.