The Southern Ute Water Resources Division (WRD) implemented the rehabilitation of the historically problematic section of the Dr. Morrison Canal in Feb. 10, 2020.  

The problematic section of the canal is perched on a hillside and has had issues with seeps and blowouts of the ditch which impaired the ability of the ditch to deliver water. The long-term fix includes piping approximately 4,100 feet of the Dr. Morrison Canal with two 48-inch pipes to eliminate canal blowouts and seepage issues.

The initial 800 feet of failed ditch was repaired prior to the 2020 irrigation season so there would be no interruption in water delivery.  

The WRD’s contractor WCA Construction Inc., began the second phase of the Dr. Morrison Canal Rehabilitation on Oct. 12, 2020. The second phase of the project is to finish installing the remaining 3,300 feet of pipe, and the permanent outlet structure for the canal.  

To date WCA has installed 1,920 of the 3,300 feet needed to complete the project. The Dr Morrison Canal Rehabilitation Project will be completed before the beginning of the 2021 irrigation season.  

If there are any questions from Tribal irrigators or the public, please feel free to contact the Southern Ute Water Resources Division at 970-563-9482.