A canal liner works by creating an impermeable barrier between the water in the canal and the surrounding soil, preventing seepage and maintaining water levels. This barrier can be made with a variety of materials including concrete, clay, or geomembranes, chosen for their impermeability and durability.
By stopping water loss, the liner ensures the efficient transport of water for irrigation, navigation, or industrial use. It also protects the canal structure by reducing erosion and stabilizing the banks. In an unlined canal, the constant flow of water will erode away at the surrounding soil, as well as picking up sediment and moving it downstream. The flow may carve away at the canal, changing its shape and moving its walls. Using a liner prevents this process which helps maintain the canal's shape and functionality.
