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Water Management and Conservation Assessment 



Background 



Water Management and Conservation Assessment studies are designed to aid 

 irrigation districts in identifying areas in which maintenance of the 

 conveyance system, methods of water measurement, and formulation of water 

 management policies might be improved to promote water conservation. Several 

 such studies are presently being conducted under the Investigation of Existing 

 Projects Program. 



Current Status 



Reclamation conducted a study of the Wilder Irrigation District in June 

 of 1992 in response to an invitation from the district. The primary 

 focus of the study was on that portion of the system below the Deer Flat 

 Reservoir. A report summarizing the findings as well as associated 

 recommendations was finalized in December 1992. 



A similar investigation took place at the Tumalo Irrigation District on 

 May 9-15. 1993. A report summarizing this is due for completion in late 

 summer of 1993. 



Preliminary arrangements have been made for a study to be performed at 

 The Minidoka Irrigation District. No schedule dates have been set for 

 the investigation at this time. 



Contact: Robert L. "Hap" Boyer. Irrigation Systems Specialist. Irrigation 

 Operation and Maintenance Branch. Boise. Idaho. (208) 378-5334 



Idaho Power Solar Study 



Background 



In June of 1993. Reclamation distributed a draft agreement to Idaho Power 

 Company (Idaho Power) and four Idaho AgriMet Site Co-sponsors. 



Once finalized the purpose of the agreement will be. in part, to outline a 

 technical program for expanding the solar monitoring capabilities at four 

 AgriMet field sites located at Parma. Kimberly. Aberdeen, and Picabo. Idaho. 

 The expanded solar monitoring capabilities will supply data for Idaho Power to 

 evaluate the opportunities for large scale commercialization of electricity 

 generated from solar powered photovoltaic (PV) cells. 



Solar energy reaches the earth's surface as irradiance directly from the sun 

 and diffuse irradiance from the sky. Both components must be known in order 

 to estimate the energy produced by various PV system designs. Currently. 

 AgriMet weather stations monitor the total incoming global radiation. The 

 diffuse radiation component must be separated from this in order to 

 differentiate between solar and diffuse irradiance. This will be accomplished 



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