How to make leak-proof gates in falaj irrigation channels
We are working in Oman on a falaj improvement project. The water from a hand-dug tunnel flows along a cemented concrete-block channel. From time to time a secondary channel branches off from the main channel. In practice the ‘gates’ that block the flow in the main channel or the secondary channel are typically very leaky. People use a mix of stones and cloth and bits of wood to check the water but the result is crude and not effective. There is much loss of water Does anyone have good experience of designing, making, installing and maintaining low-cost but effective gates? I would love to hear from someone about this.
By the way the channels are not large -- 65 to 90 cm across and maybe 40 cm deep.
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Hullo Roderic
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Kind regards
Leigh
LC Jones RedR TSS
One approach would be some form of mini canal lock gate opened against the water flow by a long lever arm and hence held tightly shut by water pressure when not opened. Another approach might be some form of temporary inflatable barrier formed from whatever you've got (e.g. old tyre inner tube...)