California Aqueduct Operations

The California Aqueduct transports most of the State Water Project’s water. Its main line is divided into 66 pools by radial gates that control the flow of water in the open canal. When water is moved down the open canal, pumping units are started or stopped, and the radial gates can be programmed to simultaneously open at a specific time. Fluctuations in canal water surface elevations are typically limited to a maximum of one foot over a 24-hour period to limit damage to the unreinforced concrete canal lining.

Each gate has a computer sensor that monitors the water level on both sides of the gate. These sensors, called remote terminal units, are continually sending real-time data about water levels and flows to both the POC and the ACCs through a fiber optics communications system. These RTUs also permit remote control of the facilities they monitor.