Coachella Canal Lining Project

The Coachella Canal Lining Project will conserve about 32,000 acre-feet of water annually.

The Coachella Canal annually delivers approximately 330,000 acre-feet of water from the Colorado River to the Coachella Valley Water District (District), which is located on the north end of the Salton Sea. The 121-mile long canal extends from the All American Canal and terminates in the Coachella Valley. Canal water losses were approximately 32,350 acre-feet per year due to seepage through a 34.5-mile earthen section. The project objective was to concrete-line this section of the canal with no interruption to District deliveries. The project was completed and objectives met by constructing and lining a parallel canal.

GEI completed the preliminary design, hydraulic analyses, surveying and mapping, geotechnical engineering, permit acquisition, cost estimating, and final design for this project. Our team also assisted the District in scheduling and providing support related to coordination of environmental activities. Detailed topographic mapping was obtained and cost estimates prepared during the preliminary design phase so that lining alternatives could be evaluated. Alternatives included a temporary diversion channel designed to accommodate required canal flows during construction using sheet pile to split the canal, and a parallel canal.

Ultimately, the parallel canal alternative was selected resulting in short- and long-term benefits related to aesthetics, initial cost, and operational and maintenance cost savings. The design also includes six new check structures.

Substantial construction is complete and water was turned into the new canal in November 2006. Final completion of the project is scheduled for April 2007.