Guidelines for irrigation canal control
The User manual presents the methodology used to evaluate the performance of irrigation schemes. The guidelines, built on this methodology, are intended as an aid to improving the operational control of irrigation distribution channels
Background
In the design of new irrigation schemes the selection of the appropriate method of canal control for a given operating environment is a fundamental decision. In assessing an existing scheme it is necessary to consider if the existing method of canal control is the most appropriate for the current and possible future situation(s).

Volume 1: The manual
The manual presents the detailed background to the guidelines. It describes the principal causes of water loss and inefficient water use in irrigation distribution systems, and suggests measures which can be adopted to reduce such losses and improve performance through better canal control. The methodology consists of a series of steps which seek to define the existing environment, conditions and constraints under which a scheme operates, and to identify measures to improve canal control and hence water use efficiency.

Volume 2: The guidelines
The guidelines have been formulated as an aid to improving the operational control of irrigation distribution canals. They are based on the methodology outlined in the manual, and are prepared as a series of tables, presented either as:

Design guidelines Good practice guidelines when planning or designing new schemes, or when considering the rehabilitation or modification of existing schemes;

Or:
Evaluation guidelines To be used when evaluating the performance of existing schemes, or when considering the possibility of changing the type of operational control of a scheme in order to improve operational performance.

  What it covers
The characteristics of different canal control methods currently in use worldwide and the consequences and impacts of their use are described. A method is presented for selecting the most appropriate method of canal control according to the characteristics of the operating environment using the "Compatibility Matrix" developed in this study.

Guidelines relating to the performance evaluation of existing schemes and to the formulation of alternative improvement measures/strategies are presented. Areas where problems are often encountered in relation to canal control are identified and possible solutions identified, analysed, and discussed.

Contributors
Halcrow Group Ltd, UK; Institute of Irrigation & Development Studies, University of Southampton UK.

Intended users
The guidelines provide designers with a comprehensive guide to the canal control methods currently in use together with guidance on measures to ensure, as far as canal control is concerned, optimum operability of the irrigation network.

For scheme managers the guidelines provide a ready reference, with worked examples, of typical operation scenarios where performance can be enhanced through more efficient use of the existing control structures and/or improved operational procedures.

Halcrow Group Ltd., 1998. Guidelines for irrigation canal control: Volumes 1 and 2. Halcrow Group Ltd., Swindon, UK.

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