Canal dry-ups

Each fall and winter, portions of SRP's major canals north and south of the Salt River are dried up for about a month, each side separately, so construction and maintenance work can be done. During the dry-up, trash and debris are cleaned from the canals.

Why dry-ups are necessary

SRP is responsible for keeping its canal system in operating condition during normal water deliveries. Canal dry-ups allow SRP as well as other utilities and municipalities to perform construction and maintenance activities in and around the canals.

Portions of the canals are lined with a cement-like protective covering to help minimize water loss through seepage into the ground. More than half of the 131-mile system has been lined.

Local governments use the dry-up periods to do road work near the canals and to build or improve bridges over the canals.

Recreation restrictions and safety

In some areas, recreational use of the canal banks is restricted during dry-ups. For their safety, people who use the canal banks for recreational activities should note the increased construction and maintenance activities along the canal banks during dry-ups.

Under no circumstances should residents enter the canals. Posted warning signs should be obeyed.

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