Can you give me a brief history of the canal distribution system and how it functions?
The Coachella Canal is a 123 mile (196 km) aqueduct that conveys Colorado River water for irrigation from the All-American Canal to the Coachella Valley in Riverside County, California. Construction of the Coachella Canal began in the 1930’s by Six Companies, Inc., but was interrupted by World War II. After the war, work was resumed on the canal. The canal was completed in 1949 and water deliveries began at that time. The canal is currently operated by the Coachella Valley Water District.


The canal distribution system was constructed and engineered to follow the natural slope of the land to allow the free flow of water in the direction of the force of gravity. Irrigation pumps are used to deliver water to elevated areas within the availability zones.

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1. Why am I unable to order a 12-hour for today?
2. How many gallons of water are in an acre-foot?
3. Are there conversion formulas to assist with CFS (cubic feet per second) water calculations?
4. How do I read my meter?
5. What types of services charges will I incur?
6. How do I know how much water to order if it’s my first time?
7. I was told that a zanjero will be coming out to my meter? What or who is a zanjero?
8. How long does it take to receive my water once the zanjero opens the meter?
9. I was told that my meter has been prorated for today’s order. What does that mean?
10. How much water can I order if I use a pump?
11. What is a meant by a short, long, and intermediate delivery?
12. What are the drawbacks of a 12-hour order vs. the benefits of 24-hour order?
13. I was told there is a surge in the line, what does that mean?
14. Will I be informed whenever the distribution system requires maintenance?
15. If my meter doesn’t register, do I still get charged for using water?
16. Can you give me a brief history of the canal distribution system and how it functions?
17. Why am I not allowed to “work” my own meter?
18. What is a split order?
19. What is an emergency off?
20. Is there such thing as an "emergency on"?
21. If I request a non-emergency off or an unscheduled on, how long do I have to wait for the task to be completed?
22. How much water am I allowed to order?