Merced Irrigation District completes $6 million canal rehabilitation project

The Merced Irrigation District recently announced completion of a $6 million project to rehabilitate the main canal for the district’s expansive water delivery system.

The main canal begins above Snelling on the Merced River, and after Lake McClure water is released, it flows through Lake McSwain, down the Merced River, and is diverted into the main canal upstream of the Crocker-Huffman Diversion Dam, according to an MID press release.

Various canals and waterways deliver the water to growers in the district.

“This was an important undertaking,” said John Sweigard, the Merced Irrigation District general manager.

“This will shore up a potential failure of our system and benefit the district growers we serve for decades to come. This project will help ensure our main canal can continue to serve the current and next generation of MID growers.”

The water in the main canal flows through 1,600 feet or about 0.3 miles, through tunnel 1 of the Merced Irrigation District. The canal is located about halfway between Lake Yosemite and the Merced River.

The tunnel and the main canal predate the Merced Irrigation District, officials said in the press release, as the tunnel and the main canal were built by several private entities.

The construction of both started the early development of the eastern Merced County waterways that eventually came under control of the Merced Irrigation District after its formation in 1919.

According to the press release, construction crews reshaped and reinforced the tunnel starting in late November with concrete lining, also known as shotcrete. The tunnels’ entrance and exits were also reinforced. The canal returned to service in February.

“This project represents an enormous team effort with MID staff overseeing the work of consultants and contractors,” Kelly said in the release. “The project was completed in time for this year’s season.”