Repairs to the U.S. Bypass Drain to begin

A reclamation was announced today by the Bureau of Reclamation for repairs to the U.S. Bypass Drain to begin September 5.

The U.S. Bypass Drain carries irrigation drainage water from farming operations in the Welton and South Gila valleys, to the Yuma Desalting Plant, and on to the Cienega de Santa Clara.

The Bureau of Reclamation is targeting this project with high priority to be completed this year. A contractor was hired to begin work along the Bypass Canal in the U.S.

The work to be done will be removal of existing sediment and debris inside the canal, replacement of damaged concrete panels, patching of headwalls, and replacement of damaged safety ladders.

The International Boundary and Water Commission coordinated this work with Mexico. It will include the monitoring of water flows, wildlife, and vegetation in both countries.

Reclamation said they will temporarily divert canal flows around the construction site into the Limitrophe below Morelos Sam at the Main Outlet Drain Extension 3 diversion structure for approximately 120 days.

The public is encouraged to avoid construction areas for their safety.

Water that is going to be discharged is said to be composed entirely of return flows from irrigated agriculture. Reclamation said the public shouldn’t drink the water, or swim in it.