Farmington is getting federal funds for irrigation project
May 20, 2015, 3:36 PM
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Farmington is getting $157,000 toward an irrigation project on the Navajo Nation as part of a federal plan to improve water efficiency and conservation in New Mexico.
The Navajo Agricultural Products Industry will install two 12 kilowatt in-line micro hydropower units in existing center pivot pipelines.
The 48 megawatt hours will power the two center pivots.
NAPI also will create and implement a web-based management tool that will allow users to schedule, order and deliver irrigation water.
It also will better manage pumping load and control gate settings to ensure water deliveries and reduce spills.
NAPI officials say they expect to conserve 580 acre-feet of water per year through improved control gate settings and reduced spills.
Federal authorities say the project’s expected cost is about $315,000.
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