Honoring our canal customers: Partners in preserving a rich legacy

The Placer County Water Agency's distribution system is one of the most unique in the nation, in that it depends largely on a vast network of earthen canals originally built to power the Gold Rush. That's right, many of these canals are more than 100 years old. They were built to deliver upstream river water to powerful hydraulic mining operations throughout the Sierra Nevada foothills. Today's customers are not miners but include orchards, livestock ranchers, hobby farms and other small agricultural operations. More than 4,000 PCWA customers receive raw water from the canal network to support their food and landscaping operations. Most of this water enters our system from a separate canal network operated by PG&E as part of their hydroelectric system. The water delivered to our customers is based on the miner's inch, which is a measurement of flow rate rather than volume. In Northern California, a miner's inch is the flow of roughly 11.6 gallons of water per minute. Think of it like a standard garden hose running at full flow – it's a moderate but consistent flow, ideal for irrigation where a steady, controlled water supply is needed. Our 170-mile network of canals is not just integral to our canal customers but serves all PCWA customers. Canals are the primary means by which raw water reaches our nine treatment plants. If you're enjoying a glass of ice water or boiling water for a pasta dinner, chances are that water journeyed to your home through the canal system. The canal network is both a testament to our special heritage and a vital component of our water system. Just like a vintage home, it requires regular maintenance and presents unique challenges, and this is where the partnership between PCWA and our customers truly shines. For instance, PCWA does not own most of the land where the canals sit, but instead holds an easement on properties through which they flow. So, the agency works closely with property owners on maintenance. This year, we asked canal customers to review an updated service agreement which, among other things, explains how important it is for property owners to keep canals open and clear of obstructions, so we have full access for maintenance needs. Amazingly, 99 percent of customers responded and acknowledged receiving the new agreement. Even though this is an administrative measure, the high response underscores how much customers support our efforts to complete critical maintenance projects to keep water moving through our system. Another successful example of our customers' partnership involves trees. Last winter brought storms and heavy snowfall, testing the integrity of many trees. When trees fall near a canal or flume, they can impede the flow of water or cause serious damage. As a result, PCWA worked with property owners to identify hazard trees and address these risks. As we mark Oct. 14 as the end of another successful summer irrigation season, PCWA wants to express our heartfelt gratitude to our canal customers. You are our enduring partners in the stewardship of our water system, and your unwavering support and collaboration are deeply appreciated. Together, we preserve the legacy of the Gold Rush while ensuring the reliability and sustainability of our water resources for generations to come. Thank you for being an essential part of our community and the guardians of our rich history. The Placer County Water Agency is the primary water resource agency for Placer County, California, with a broad range of responsibilities including water resource planning and management, retail and wholesale supply of drinking water and irrigation water, and production of hydroelectric energy.