Restoring the Verde River: How the Eureka Ditch Pipeline Project Saves Water and Supports Arizona’s Future
The Verde River, a vital lifeline in Arizona’s Verde Valley, supports agriculture, wildlife, and communities from Prescott to metro Phoenix.
However, historic irrigation systems like the Eureka Ditch have long contributed to water loss, threatening the river’s health.
The Nature Conservancy’s Eureka Ditch Pipeline projects are a game-changer, upgrading this 1895 earthen ditch to save billions of gallons of water, restore river flows, and ensure a sustainable future for farmers and ecosystems alike.
One of those projects, AZ 1 Verde Eureka Ditch Pipeline, was recently completed by The Nature Conservancy and Mulcaire and Son Contracting, LLC of Camp Verde, AZ..
The pipe was installed where Grandpa Wash crosses the ditch.
This area has been problematic for many years.
Whenever there is heavy rain, sand and rocks wash down the creek and essentially blows out the ditch.
A backhoe is required each time to drive to the location and clean and restore the ditch.
This project alleviated this problem.
This project consisted of:
- 1,520 feet of 42” pipe
- A Headwall with a 48” Round Headgate station with a Grate
- 40’ of 36” Reducing Pipe
- Tailwater Manhole Access
- Bar Grate Cover at Tailwater Manhole
- 120 Linear Feet of Concrete at the Headgate and Tailgate.
- All the Grading Necessary to Complete the Project
Total Cost: $468,568
The Nature Conservancy created the project, with funding from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
The Eureka Ditch: A Historical Challenge
Established in 1895, the Eureka Ditch stretches eight miles through Camp Verde, serving over 200 property owners and irrigating 375 acres of farmland. This earthen ditch, like many in the Verde Valley, loses significant water to seepage and evaporation—up to 15% in some sections. These inefficiencies reduce Verde River flows, sometimes drying up stretches during peak irrigation season, impacting native species like the razorback sucker and recreational opportunities.
The Pipeline Solution: A Win for Water Efficiency
This upgrade eliminates water losses from seepage and evaporation, plus the need to repair the ditch whenever Grandpa Wash flows.
Improving water flow allows irrigators to meet their needs with less water diverted from the Verde River. The project is part of a broader strategy to modernize irrigation infrastructure across the Verde Valley.
Key Achievements
- Massive Water Savings: In 2021, the Eureka Ditch project, alongside other Verde River initiatives, saved over 2.1 billion gallons of water, protecting 140 miles of river and habitat.
- Restored River Flows: By reducing unnecessary diversions, the project ensures continuous flows, even during summer, benefiting wildlife like native fish, beavers, and migratory birds, as well as downstream users in Phoenix.
- Support for Local Agriculture: The upgrades deliver reliable water to farmers growing pecans, corn, barley, and vegetables, strengthening Camp Verde’s agricultural economy.
Partnerships Driving Change
The Nature Conservancy collaborates with the Eureka Ditch Company, local farmers like the Hauser family, and other ditch companies (e.g., Verde Ditch, Diamond S Ditch) to enhance water delivery efficiency. Additional innovations include:
- Smart Technology: A $40,000 solar-powered, smartphone-controlled gate allows precise water flow management on the Eureka Ditch.
- Low-Water Crops: Partnerships with the Yavapai-Apache Nation and Hauser & Hauser Farms promote crops like barley, which require less water.
- Conservation Programs: The Verde River Exchange Water Offset Program incentivizes conservation without compromising water rights.
Funding from state and federal grants, corporate partners, and the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust has been critical to these efforts.
Why It Matters: The Verde River’s Broader Challenges
The Verde River faces mounting pressures from agricultural diversions, groundwater pumping, and urban demand. Seven major ditches, including Eureka, historically diverted significant flows, sometimes dewatering the river. The Nature Conservancy’s work aims to restore connectivity and stream flow, balancing the needs of farmers, wildlife, and downstream users like the Salt River Project (SRP).
Addressing Community Concerns
While the project offers clear benefits, some locals worry that water conservation could lead to reallocating Verde River water to urban areas or restricting farmers’ access. The Nature Conservancy emphasizes collaboration with farmers to protect their livelihoods, and building trust remains essential in a region with a history of water disputes.
A Model for Sustainable Water Management
The Eureka Ditch Pipeline project is a blueprint for balancing agriculture, conservation, and community needs. By upgrading outdated infrastructure, leveraging technology, and fostering partnerships, The Nature Conservancy is helping secure the Verde River’s future. This initiative not only saves water but also strengthens Arizona’s resilience in the face of growing water scarcity.
For more information on the Verde River’s conservation efforts, visit The Nature Conservancy’s website or explore the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust’s impact.
Sources
In 2021, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust reported significant water savings and provided project details for the Eureka Ditch piping initiative.
The Nature Conservancy has outlined broader conservation efforts for the Verde River, which include irrigation upgrades and partnerships with local farmers. They provide specific insights on water conservation and innovative approaches to growing food while saving water.
Additionally, AZCentral has described the historical inefficiencies of the Eureka Ditch and the positive impact of modernized gates on its functionality.
For more background on the ditch’s history and its role in the community, visit the Eureka Ditch Website.