By: Metal Culverts, Inc.
Project Summary
The 2022 NCSPA Aluminized Project of the Year helped Florida agricultural producers manage water more efficiently while reducing construction and operating costs. The innovative water control structure provided a durable alternative to traditional pump house systems and was completed in just two days.
Supporting Florida’s Agricultural Economy
Water management plays a critical role in Florida agriculture.
Producers throughout the state rely on extensive canal networks to support irrigation, provide frost protection, and move water between fields. South Florida’s abundant water resources have made these systems essential for growing crops and maintaining agricultural productivity.
As water management needs evolved, producers continued searching for efficient ways to move and control water while reducing construction costs, maintenance requirements, and permitting challenges.
Submitted by Metal Culverts, Inc., this award-winning project demonstrates how innovative infrastructure can improve agricultural water management while simplifying operations for producers.
Rethinking Traditional Pump House Systems
Historically, agricultural producers relied on large pumps and permanent pump houses to move water through canal systems.
While effective, these facilities can be expensive to construct, maintain, and operate. They also require lengthy permitting processes and ongoing inspection requirements.
Working with a large sugarcane producer and a pump dealer, Metal Culverts, Inc. helped develop an alternative approach that could provide many of the same benefits while reducing both initial and long-term costs.
A Simpler Water Control Structure
The solution centered around a corrugated steel water control structure designed to regulate water movement through the canal system.
The project utilized a 96-inch by 13-foot-tall aluminized steel riser structure that housed both an adjustable water control gate and a large submersible electric pump. Attached to the riser was a 50-foot section of 72-inch aluminized corrugated steel pipe that served as the outlet structure.
This design allowed operators to manage water levels manually through the adjustable gate while maintaining the ability to utilize pumping when conditions required additional water movement.
Engineers and designers evaluating similar applications can explore NCSPA’s Technical Resources and Design Data Sheets for additional information on corrugated steel water management systems.
Faster Installation and Lower Costs
One of the project’s greatest advantages was its construction speed.
The complete system was installed in just two days. By comparison, construction of a traditional permanent pump house was estimated to require one to two months.
The project owner also realized substantial cost savings. Total project costs, including the pump, were estimated at approximately one-third of the cost of constructing a permanent pump house. Installation costs were further reduced because the owner could utilize in-house maintenance crews and equipment rather than relying on outside contractors.
The simplified approach also reduced permitting requirements, eliminating many of the time-consuming approvals often associated with permanent pump house construction.
Long-Term Benefits for Agricultural Water Management
The benefits extended well beyond construction.
Operationally, the project allowed water to be moved through the canal system using gravity and adjustable water control gates, reducing dependence on gas or electric pumping systems. Lower operating costs, reduced maintenance requirements, and simplified inspections provided additional long-term value.
The aluminized corrugated steel structure also delivered the durability needed for long-term service in a demanding agricultural environment. Engineers evaluating similar systems can utilize NCSPA’s Service Life Calculator and explore additional performance data within NCSPA’s Studies & Reports library.
A Practical Solution for Florida Agriculture
This award-winning project demonstrates how innovative water control structures can help producers manage water more efficiently while lowering construction, permitting, and operating costs.
By combining durability, flexibility, and rapid installation, the Florida Canal Water Control project provides a practical model for agricultural water management throughout the region.