Part of the Infrastructure Master Plan
Lateral Header Modernization Project
Background
To enhance efficiency and improve measurement accuracy within the water delivery system, the lateral headings required modernization and retrofitting. Historically, our watermen spent significant time traveling across the district to manually adjust valves and record measurements. The Lateral Heading Modernization Project significantly reduces the need for these time-intensive trips while improving the precision and reliability of water deliveries throughout the Sutter Basin.
The Upgrades
Four critical lateral headings within the Sutter Mutual Water Company irrigation conveyance system were modernized, including the heads of the Main, West, Central, and East canals. These structures serve as key control points for regulating and distributing water throughout the Sutter Basin.
The Main, West, and East lateral headings were modernized through structural retrofits of the existing facilities, while the Central lateral heading underwent a full replacement.
All four lateral headings are now equipped with Rubicon gates to enhance automation, measurement accuracy, and operational control.
Why do the Project?
Reduction in labor
Stable water surface elevations
Accurate flow measurement
Better match of supply and demand
Remote control and monitoring
Water conservation
Improved landowner service
Rubicon Slipmeter & Rubicon Flumegate
Project Technical Details
West Lateral Heading – Retrofit of existing West Lateral Heading to facilitate the installation of six new Rubicon Slipmeters.
Main Lateral Heading – Retrofit of existing Main Lateral Heading to facilitate the installation of seven new Rubicon Flumegates.
East Lateral Heading – Retrofit of the existing East Lateral Heading to facilitate the installation of five new Rubicon Flumegates.
Central Lateral Heading – Complete demolition of the existing Central Lateral Heading and reconstruction to facilitate the installation of five new Rubicon Slipmeters (4 for the Central Lateral and 1 for Lateral 16).