Use of water resources

Country: Uzbekistan

Province: Tashkent Region

Samarkand, Surkhandarya, Fergana Regions and Republic of Karakalpakstan

Chirchik River Basin, Zarafshan River Basin, mid-streams of Syr Darya River Basin, mid- and lower streams of the Amu Darya River

Start date: 01.01.2015

End date: 31.12.2017

Until today, hydrometric revolver meters (GR-21) with propeller blade and contact mechanism are generally used.  These mechanisms are difficult to operate and require special skills and knowledge on behalf of personnel.  GR-21 hydrometric revolver meters possess certain essential flaws, including the following:

• need for individual calibration (speed) execution and subsequent check-up of which requires an expensive test stand;
• lack of continuous measuring capacity;
• operating requires complete dismantling, cleaning and lubrication after each use, etc.;
• presence of mechanically rubbing details in design unprotected from harmful effects of water;
• impromptness of water speed (current) data.

Electronic Water Current Meter (ISV-1)

ISV-1 is universal and easy to use.  Measurements are presented on the display in digital form and in speed units.  Use of the electronic device for measuring water speed and, based on it, water consumption facilitates the work of hydro-accountants.

Device characteristics:

• no rubbing details in the design;
• no requirement for preliminary and subsequent periodic calibration;
• measurement results do not depend on changes in physical composition and properties of water;
• simplifies the process of water speed measuring and, therefore, water consumption accounting;
• available in stationary and portable designs;
• measurement error is comparable to this of the widely used GR-21;
• small overall dimensions and weight;
• relatively low cost, etc.

 The device is universal and its measurement results do not depend on water composition and properties, except for temperature (desired range 0 to +30°C). The device underwent successful testing and was deployed in 5 Basin Irrigation System Administrations (BISA): Chirchik-Akhangaran BISA, Zarafshan BISA, Syr Darya-Sokh BISA, Amu-Surkhan BISA, Lower Amu Darya BISA.

Actions:

• manufacturing of 5 ISV-1 devices;
• training of BISA hydro-accountants on device operation and use.

Results:

• 5 above-stated BISAs accepted (acceptance certificate) and are presently using them;
• the device’s testing is continuing for different irrigation system conditions;
• the device developers continue receiving positive feedback from leading hydro-accountants;
• at present, the works to enhance and certify the device are in progress.

Lessons learnt:

Application of the device increases the efficiency of data collection compared to the currently used equipment, as well as promotes rational and effective use of water resources due to higher accuracy, reliability and efficiency of irrigation water accounting data and saving of material and labor resources.

Recommendations:

The device is recommended for use on large canals and collector facilities as well as intra-farm water supply networks.  Today, the majority of WUAs do not have revolver meters or other water-measuring devices in their disposal, so fitting them with such units would improve WUAs overall technical capacities.

With the ongoing acute deficit of hydro-accountants, any technical college graduate would be able to use ISV-1.

Domestic tools (outcomes of research by domestic R&D organizations)

1. Cost of implementation: Moderate

2. Approximate cost of investment per 1 ha: $1000

3. O&M costs: Low

4. Expert support: Needed at implementation stage

Project title: Commercial contract engagement with 5 BISAs.

Project duration: 2015-2017.

Project goal and objectives: create an easy-to-operate tool to measure water speed (current) within the 0.2-5.0 m/s range for deployment on facilities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Management (MAWM) of the RUz.

Project beneficiaries: BISAs of the MAWM of the RUz.

Project implementer: Head Water Administration (HWA) of the MAWM of the RUz.

Operator manual for the electronic device “Water Speed Measuring Unit”, 2015.