EVALUATION OF WATER DELIVERY EFFICIENCY IN IRRIGATION CANAL UNDER EXISTING MANAGEMENT STRATEGY USING HYDRAULIC MODEL

Managing water distribution in irrigation canals aims timely and in needed quantity implementation of supplies of water to irrigated area without excessive spillage i.e. at reduced conveyance loss and adequate water use for irrigation of the crops. This article analyzed existing management practice of water distribution in irrigation canal in view of efficiency. The study was carried out for an existing main irrigation canal. The operational water loss was evaluated by indirect quantitative approach. Hydraulic simulation model of the irrigation canal was created using hydraulic software HEC-RAS. Changes in hydraulic conditions due to existing structures along the canal course were taken into account in the model. The water operational loss was determined by simulation with HEC-RAS model in steady state conditions. The model was used to study the influence of the operating conditions on the size of loss. Results obtained show the influence of the management practice of the water distribution and operation conditions and maintenance of the canal on the magnitude of operational loss.