Identification of Pool Characteristics of Irrigation Canals

Abstract

In the Western part of the United States of America, more and more irrigation canal networks are being modernized, which often includes some form of real-time automatic water level control. This real-time control consists of water level measurements that are communicated to a controller. The controller calculates the required control actions and communicates these back to the adjustable gates. The objective of the controller is to maintain the water levels in the canal pools at a given target level. The control loop is repeated at a fixed time interval. To attenuate noise and undesired signal contents, filtering of the water level measurements is required. The reasons that irrigation districts decide to automate their canals include: improved water delivery service, improved efficiency of water delivery, improved utilization of labor, and water resource stewardship.