Canal systems are a vital part of our modern lifestyle—and this is doubly true in arid regions like California. This is because they serve a variety of purposes, from irrigation to storm water management and more. In California and other western states, irrigation canals are one of the primary ways to ensure that crops are watered properly—and that is crucial since California is one of the largest food-producing areas in the United States. Canals are also a vital way to capture storm water in areas with storm seasons that dump enormous amounts of rain. These structures ensure that excess water is diverted to areas where it can be contained and either reused or released into the environment in a controlled fashion.
In some areas, people use canals for transportation because it is easier and more cost-effective to move good along waterways. The Panama Canal is among the most famous examples of this, but you’ll occasionally find smaller, modern-made canals even today. Certain communities also still rely on canals as a source of drinking water. Lastly, one of the most modern uses for canals is as a source of power. In fact, canals are superior to other bodies of water for power generation because controllers can use narrow canals and move it through them at high rates of speed in order to maximize the power generated within a hydroelectric system. Geomembranes like BTL Liners’ Armor Pro are a great way to line hydroelectric canals because they are sturdy, and because they make it easier to achieve speeds that produce the optimal amount of power.
