In this issue:
Technology proves successful in managing flood waters, we provide guidance on selecting gates and we welcome a NEW team member!
- Ways to utilize excess and off season water using adaptable Rubicon technology
- Choosing the right gate for water control in open canal networks: overshot vs. undershot
- Rubicon Regional Account Managers
- AZ Water Conservation Grant Fund
- WaterSMART Drought Response Program
- Meet our Grants and Marketing Coordinator
Rubicon will be at these upcoming conferences
September to November 2023
| Conference | Title | Date | Location | Further Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Agricultural Irrigation Association (CAIA) | Fall Meeting September | September 13-14 /2023 | Pismo Beach, CA | Fall Meeting Packet |
| Inaugural Coalition Meeting of Rio Grande Water Users entitled “The Value of Collaboration” | Meeting event | October 3-5 /2023 | Santa Fe, NM 87501 | Rio Grande MeetingRio Grande Meeting |
| Montana Association of Dams and Canal Systems | Annual Workshop * Includes a field tour of Black Eagle Dam | October 11-12 /2023 | Heritage Inn, Great Falls, MT | Email to: Jeremiah Theys at jtheys@greatwesteng.com |
| Columbia Basin Development League | 59th Annual Conference and Meeting | November 14 /2023 | Moses Lake, WA | Annual Conference |
Ways to utilize excess and off season water using adaptable Rubicon technology
Rubicon’s flow control technology offers many opportunities for effectively and safely diverting excess and flood water, and is already being utilized in parts of the world.
Climate change is affecting how we think about excess water supplies – whichever way the water arrives.
Dramatic rainfall events call for flood control and recent events in California and eastern USA demonstrate how dangerous flood events are increasing in frequency and intensity.
It is becoming essential in many parts of the world to seek out ways to safely harness excess water during flood events, to limit damage to life and property, and to also channel water to safe storage.
In a similar way, seasonal rainwater offers opportunities for diverting excess water to above ground and depleted groundwater storages.
Our team of engineers are assisting customers around the world to implement Rubicon technology to help improve safety and achieve water saving goals during drier times.
In Chile, a comprehensive Rubicon telemetry and remote control system has been implemented in the Las Toscas estuary in the Ñuble region, significantly reducing the impact of floods in various areas.
The importance of such canal modernization technology is becoming increasingly evident. It is technology that can be adapted to both water delivery and water removal systems.
Chile has been recently hit with dramatic weather events and the success of the Las Toscas project is featured in a recent article by La Discusión (translated copy available upon request). The original version can be accessed on pg. 8 here.
In the USA, Rubicon’s canal technology is being adopted to save water including helping to divert water back into groundwater storage. Highlighting the diverse applications the canal modernization can offer.
Seasonal opportunities exist to divert excess Fall, Winter and Spring rainfall not only collected in canals, but on agricultural land during the times when various types of crops, including trees, are dormant. The on-farm systems that deliver water during crucial growth periods can be reversed to collect water and returned to depleted above and below ground storage.
Choosing the right gate for water control in open canal networks: overshot vs. undershot
In the world of water control structures, selecting the right gate for each site is crucial to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. In this article, we will attempt provide guidance for when to leverage an overshot gate design in comparison to an undershot gate.
Each gate type presents distinctive benefits, and it’s important to assess individual site conditions before making a decision. Before delving into the comparison, it’s essential to understand the fundamental differences between an overshot and undershot gate. Overshot gates feature an overflow design, allowing water to flow over the gate’s surface from the canal. In contrast, undershot gates are typically characterized by radial, slide, or sluice gates where water shoots ‘under’ the gate.
Regulating or Check Structures – The Case for Overshot Gates
For regulating structures that control water levels, overshot gates are often the preferred choice.
These gates excel in maintaining water levels as they respond promptly to changes. When the water level increases, the flow over the gate increases immediately without the need for gate movement. Similarly, if the water level decreases, the flow also decreases without gate adjustments. This passive regulation makes the overshot gates ideal for accurately maintaining and controlling water levels.
The overshot FlumeGate product is designed with exceptional responsiveness to ensure efficient water level control without excessive wear on the gate hardware, providing a reliable and long-lasting solution for water management.
Lateral or Turnout Structures – The Advantage of Selecting Undershot Gates
When it comes to lateral or turnout structures, undershot gates perform exceptionally in maintaining a consistent flow.
These gates handle fluctuations in water level more effectively, requiring less gate movement to maintain the desired flow. As the water level changes there is minimal disturbance to the desired flow rate, as the flow area through the submerged gate remains unchanged, leading to efficient flow control.
Undershot gates are an ideal choice for lateral or turnout structures due to their superior flow management capabilities. Rubicon offers a range of integrated gate and metering products in the undershot category, including the PikoMeter and SlipMeter.
FlumeGate™
PikoMeter™
SlipMeter™
Site – Specific Considerations
It’s important to remember that every site is unique, and various site-specific conditions influence the gate selection process. Consider factors like retrofitting possibilities, civil requirements, cost implications, and drainage needs. Additionally, the desired water quality and silt management objectives may also impact the gate preference. Flexibility is key, and it’s crucial to analyze each site independently to make the right gate choice.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for gate selection. While overshot gates excel in regulating water levels, undershot gates perform exceptionally in maintaining flow. In a perfect world, every regulator would be an overshot gate, while every lateral or turnout would have an undershot gate. However, real-world scenarios call for careful evaluation, and sometimes, site-specific constraints may influence the preferred gate type.
At Rubicon Water, we understand the complexities of water management and offer a diverse range of innovative gate and metering solutions, equipped with advanced control and communication capabilities to suit various needs. Our approach involves carefully assessing each site’s unique requirements, allowing us to provide the best possible outcomes for our customers.
We understand the importance of presenting a balance between performance and cost, and our solutions are designed to offer different options at various performance and cost points. By offering flexible choices, we empower our customers to achieve efficient water control while ensuring a sustainable, scalable, and reliable investment that will return benefits for years (even decades) to come.
AZ Water Conservation Grant Fund
The Water Conservation Grant Fund (WCGF) exists to provide financial resources to eligible entities for the purpose of conserving Arizona’s water supply.
Round three for this grant application period closed on July 31, 2023, at 5:00 PM. WIFA says it will have multiple application windows for this grant opportunity as long as funds remain to be awarded.
A wide range of projects and programs may be eligible for WCGF funding. Some examples include:
- Water use education and conservation research
- Community incentives for rainwater harvesting, gray water systems, and turf removal
- Widespread installation of drought-resistant landscaping and turf removal incentives
- Infrastructure efficiency upgrades
- Projects that promote groundwater recharge and imported aquifer health
- Construction of groundwater storage facilities
- Community education initiatives about wise water use
- Programs or projects to reduce structural water overuse issues
More information and a list of applications for funding already received is available at: https://www.azwifa.gov/programs/funding-type/wcgf
WaterSMART Drought Response Program: Drought Resiliency Projects for Fiscal Year 2024
Closes October 31 2023
Eligible applicants to submit proposals for projects that increase water management flexibility – making our water supply more resilient, preparing for the impacts of drought and water supply shortages.
Projects are divided into four task areas to increase the reliability of water supplies that are infrastructure improvements; Groundwater Recovery; Decision Support Tools, Modeling and Measurement; and the Construction of domestic water supply projects for Tribes or disadvantages communities that do not have reliable access to water supplies.
The Award Ceiling is $5,000,000 and the Award Floor is $25,000.
For additional information go to: https://www.usbr.gov/drought/projects.html
Our technology perfectly geared to be deployed for infrastructure enhancements and to support funding proposals.
Rubicon Regional Account Managers
Michael Bromund – North West (ID, OR, MT, WA) michael.bromund@rubiconwater.com 509-481-0571
John Lind – South West including (So CA, AZ, and NM) john.lind@rubiconwater.com 970-482-3200
Eric Umbreit – Central US (CO, NE, WY, UT, TX, FL) eric.umbreit@rubiconwater.com 970-966-4777
Eric Rothberg – Central and Northern CA eric.rothberg@rubiconwater.com 209-552-9152
Services We Offer:
Service Agreement – keep your Rubicon gates and systems in perfect working order with a service agreement.
Help with Grant Writing – help with complex grant writing where Rubicon technology is part of the grant application.
Contact sarah.pruden@rubiconwater.com
Meet Sarah Pruden our Grants and Marketing Coordinator USA
Growing up in rural Alaska and Oregon, Sarah developed a love for wild places early on. An avid outdoor enthusiast with a passion for environmental stewardship and conservation, Sarah attained her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy from Southern Oregon University, with minors in Sociology and Anthropology.
Working in the conservation and education sectors with multiple organizations in Wyoming since 2018, Sarah brings a passion for science communication, conservation, and funding development to the Rubicon team. Living and working in the mountain west has created a drive in Sarah to perpetuate sustainability and conservation-focused efforts by securing funding and participating in community outreach focused on water infrastructure modernization.
Sarah looks forward to conducting outreach, assisting with grant writing needs, and continuing to develop meaningful community relationships on behalf of Rubicon Water throughout North America.
