WSP00427

• File Number: 8549
• Description: Misc. Small Projects and Project Studies
• Basin: Rio Grande
• Water Division: 3
• Date: 6/24/1970
• Title: Summary of the Norton Drain Project - Prepared for the Rio Grande Water Conservation District
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Project Overview

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J.. Results:

It is too early to assign specifically an amount or'value to the lroter
8alvaged. Defore completioll of either branch of the drain and before
the 'start of irrigation the drain 'ros conveying 9.2 c.f.s., which
certainly was lunde up in large part from bank storage. Since completion
of the drain and start of the irrigation season, measurements have
increased to in excess of 3J c.f.s.

At this time no stub laterals have been constructed I however, much
interest is indicated by land owners in the area. Soil Conservation
Service personnel indicate thet the Norton Drain reasonably should be
,expected to drain a large part of tlie area which it can serve. This
would aSSllre a substanHal increase in both salvaged water and restoration
of presently ,,,ater logged land to cuI tiva tioll. As these have been the
ul tima te goa Is it appears the project cun be termed a Success in this
respect. Illquiries have been received by the Directors concerning the
extension of the West Dranch. If this work is done an addi tional area
will be benefited and an additional source of water tapped.

It appears that the original estimate of the amount of water to be
salvaged lroS conservative; however, it will taks some time to detnrmine
the overall benefite. The state is now installing a gaging station
furnished by the District and will keep a record of the quantity of
water conveyed in the drain. Also, the State has agreed to take periodic
water quali ty samples. After one year of such measurements and a study
of the water quality, a better basis will be obtained on which to relate
future proj ects in the same co tegory.

5. Observations and Recommendations

While the Norton Project has attained the objectives for which it was
planned it is apparent that better planning and design could eliminate
some of the problems that developed during and after construction. To
'mal<e a record of the problems tha t could have been avoided wi th better
design and wi th added experiellce, the deficiencies and suggested
corrections are given below to aid in future projects.

1. Unstable soil conditione and inadequate compaction ,has caused some
of the water crossing pipes to wash out. This situation was an
aggravation and would have been a more serious nmintenance problem
if the contractor had not done much of the repair work at his o~m
expense. The situation could have been largely avoided if the water
crossing pipes were smoeth wall for rigidity through the concrete
supports Ifith corrugated metal pipe extensions at least 15 feet
into the banks. In addition, larger antiseepage collars with large