Canal Cleaners Ensure Steady Waterflow in the Valley

Algae, trash, and other debris can clog up the canal grates preventing the water from moving across the Valley.

PHOENIX — Canals play an important role in moving water across the Valley. Keeping them clean requires constant maintenance, and it’s all possible thanks to the hard work of Salt River Project (SRP) canal cleaners.

SRP operates seven different canals, moving water across 131 miles in the Valley. This infrastructure is vital, providing water to more than two million Arizonans. “The water all goes through the water treatment plants,” said Todd Asquith, an SRP representative.

During monsoon season, “trash and debris gets piled up on the grates,” Asquith explained. Algae, which grows rapidly in the summer, adds to the clogging issue. It’s a challenge since algae can bloom anywhere there is sufficient water, sunlight, carbon dioxide, and minerals.

To address the problem, SRP uses specialized machines to clean the grates, ensuring water flow is maintained. Canal cleaners work tirelessly, around the clock, removing debris from the grates every hour. Approximately 75 maintenance workers operate along the canal system to clear out algae and junk.

“If there’s too much debris, the water will back up and not be able to get through, and then the water treatment plants can’t get enough water,” Asquith warned.