Automation Changing Yuma Water Use

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Water management in Yuma is getting a high-tech upgrade as local irrigation districts turn to automation to better control and conserve Colorado River water.

At the Yuma Agricultural Center, water officials recently gathered for a specialized training event focused on automated gate technology—tools designed to improve precision and efficiency across irrigation systems.

The new technology allows districts to monitor and adjust water flow in real time using advanced software. By providing a constant stream of data, the system helps operators deliver water more accurately while reducing waste—an important step as water resources across the West face increasing pressure.

Local leaders say the benefits go beyond conservation. Automation is also changing day-to-day operations, allowing workers to track conditions and respond to issues without needing to be physically present in the field.

For districts like the Bard Water District, the shift represents a major evolution from traditional, manual systems to smarter infrastructure that can operate more independently.

As challenges tied to water supply continue to grow, officials say adopting technology like this will be key to improving efficiency and protecting resources for the future.