Silt Water Conservancy District Pump Canal Sediment Mitigation
MCWC partnered with the Silt Water Conservancy District (SWCD) to remove years of accumulated sediment from the Lower Pump Canal, and to implement Best Management Practices (BMP) to reduce future sediment buildup. The system protects Silt Mesa’s irrigation water delivery, both now and for decades to come.
Why It Matters
After the Grizzly Creek Fire of 2020, post-fire debris and increased sediment from turbid river water were clogging the canal that delivers Colorado River irrigation water to Silt Mesa. The canal system provides water to farms, ranches and properties across the region. This project restored canal function and created long-term solutions to maintain the canal system’s effectiveness.
Impact Numbers
Years of post-fire sediment buildup were cleared in a single season, with a system now in place to prevent sediment and debris from impacting the system again.
11,577 tons of sediment removed before the 2022 irrigation season
3,208 tons of additional sediment captured in the first half of the 2022 irrigation season
4,519 tons more captured by the irrigation season's end in September 2022
2- to 3-year dredging frequency reverted to a 5-year schedule
Budget
Work was completed in partnership between MCWC and the Silt Water Conservancy District (SWCD), with additional contracted services from Brand X Hydrovac Services and Bookcliff Survey Services.
Timeline
Initial dredging was completed during the 2021 to 2022 winter irrigation shutdown. Sediment capture was measured throughout the 2022 irrigation season, with access road improvements to Basin 1 and Basin 2 completed after the 2022 season to support future maintenance.
Connection to IWMP
This project advances MCWC's Water Quality & Quantity and Wildfire Resilience focus areas, restoring efficient water delivery infrastructure while reducing sediment to the canal and harmful nutrient loading in the Colorado River system.
Beneficiaries
| Silt Mesa water users | Silt Water Conservancy District | Colorado River water quality |
|---|---|---|
| Restored canal flow minimizes disruptive shutdowns and ensures reliable irrigation delivery across the service area. | New access improvements allow SWCD to remove future sediment with its own equipment versus hiring outside excavation contractors, saving time and money. | The rock structure BMP captures sediment and nutrients before they reach the broader river system, acting as a natural biofilter. |
Location
Lower Pump Canal, Silt Mesa, Garfield County, Colorado
Status
Completed, with Best Management Practices (BMP) in place for ongoing maintenance
Funders & Collaborators
Silt Water Conservancy District (SWCD)
Brand X Hydrovac Services
Bookcliff Survey Services
