Measured Seepage Losses of Canal 6.0. La Feria Irrigation District - Cameron County No. 3

摘要

This report summarizes the results of seepage loss rate tests conducted in La Feria Irrigation District Cameron County Irrigation District No. 3 (La Feria). These tests were conducted during April 9 - 11, 2003 on Canal 6.0. Canal 6.0 is located at the east central area of the district and runs perpendicular to and across Expressway 83 (Fig. 1). The southern and northern sections Canal 6.0 are unlined, while the middle portion is brick with a concrete topping. The brick/concrete section is approximately 5,641 ft (1.07 miles) long and varies from 12 to 13 feet in width. Two segments of the brick/concrete section was tested, referred to here as the north and south segments. Test results are summarized in Table 1. Seepage losses were measured at 1.77 and 4.61 gal/ft2/day for the north and south segments, respectively (or 153 and 369 ac-ft/mile per year). Table 2 lists seepage losses in four methods commonly used for characterizing water loss from canals. The annual water loss amounts given Tables 1 and 2 are based on an in-service life of 365 days per year. The south segment had approximately six large holes in the canal similar to the one shown in Figure 2. This is likely the reason that the south segments seepage rate is over twice that of the north segment.