Background

The irrigation district was originally established in 1928 and covers 64,828 acres. The district delivers water to 47,000 acres of irrigable land under 4,000 water accounts. In addition, it provides raw water to five municipalities—Alamo, McAllen, Pharr, San Juan and Edinburg—and the North Alamo Water Supply Corporation.

Groundwater in the area has too high a saline content for drinking water or irrigation purposes. Consequently, the District pumps water directly from the Rio Grande into a settling basin (reservoir) via a gravity canal and then into a conveyance system of pipelines and canals.

Originally constructed around 1930 using mortar-jointed pipeline, Lateral I-18 extends approximately 2 miles between McAllen and San Juan, Texas and serves an area of 2,829 acres, delivering water to both farmland and other laterals. As a conveyance pipeline it is in constant service throughout the year. However, because of its current state of deterioration, it is operating at half its flow capacity and several breaks occur annually, which cause considerable water loss and require that the pipeline be drained for repairs. Moreover, seepage from the pipeline creates standing water, which is a hazard for the local community.

Description

The proposed project consists of installing two miles of 48-inch, rubbergasketed, reinforced concrete pipeline next to the existing pipeline, which will remain in service during construction.

Benefits

The project will reduce water losses from seepage, resulting in an estimated savings of 229.5 acre-feet of water a year. In addition, the project will reduce operation and maintenance costs, as well as increase overall efficiency in the conveyance of water.