Performance assessment and operational optimization of Bilavar plain irrigation network

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of water engineering, Razi university ,Kermanshah, Iran.

10.22126/atwe.2026.13971.1217

Abstract

Objective This research aimed to comprehensively assess the Bilavar Plain Irrigation and Drainage Network's operational performance. The study further sought to identify targeted management and technical strategies to enhance water productivity, minimize losses, and ensure stable agricultural output.
 
Method: Data collection relied on a multi-faceted strategy combining field surveys, direct facility inspections, and discharge measurements using a Seba current meter. These primary data were supplemented by rigorous hydraulic analysis and GIS-based spatial mapping to characterize network performance. The study further examined the effects of pressure outages on water loss, assessed the operational efficiency of Nirpeak modules and pumping stations, and used structured questionnaires to analyze the socio-economic factors shaping farmer participation.
 
Results: The assessment yielded several key findings. While the Nirpeak modules performed within acceptable tolerances, with measurement errors below 5%, the water level regulating structures were found to be only in average condition. Transmission efficiency along the main canal ranged from 90.8% to 91.6%—notably below design specifications—owing primarily to leakage and unauthorized water diversions. Pumping station performance was substantially undermined by poor maintenance, equipment misalignment, and inappropriate pump selection, with daily power interruptions further compounding water losses. On the socio-economic front, the study identified low profitability of traditional crops, market volatility, and limited technical knowledge as the principal barriers to active farmer participation.
 
Conclusions: The study yields three main recommendations: converting parts of the canal to a pressurized pipe system to reduce water losses and optimize pumping, improving network operation, maintenance, and GIS-based monitoring to enhance performance, and promoting high-value autumn crops to strengthen farmers' incomes and the long-term sustainability of the irrigation network.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

 
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Advanced Technologies in Water Efficiency
Volume 6, Issue 2
July 2026
Pages 102-119

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 November 2025
  • Revise Date: 01 April 2026
  • Accept Date: 22 May 2026

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