Piping Project Increases Water Delivery Imoroves EcoEnvironment

摘要

At Barker Ranch in West Richland, Wash., a conservation initiative resulted in the replacement of three miles of an open-earth irrigation canal with a closed-pipe system. The new system increases water-delivery efficiency and reduces leaking and evaporation, allowing for greater water retention. The improvements provided by the closed-pipe system allow Barker Ranch to divert less water from the Ya-kima River, adding 6,436 acre ft of water to stream flows and consequently benefiting the ecosystem for local fish and wildlife. The new pipeline delivers water to restored wetlands at Barker Ranch to support at least 175 different species of birds, as well as coyotes, badgers and deer.