American Canal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids American canal |
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|---|---|
| History | |
| Current owner | El Paso County Water District 1 |
| Date completed | 1938 |
| Date restored | 2020 |
The American Canal is a special waterway located near El Paso, Texas. It's like a big ditch that helps move water from the Rio Grande river. This canal gets its water from a place called the American Diversion Dam. This dam is close to where Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico meet.
What is the American Canal?
The American Canal is mainly used for irrigation. This means it helps bring water to farms and fields so crops can grow. It also plays a very important role in providing drinking water for the city of El Paso. The canal sends most of its raw water to the Johnathan-Roger Water Treatment Plant. There, the water gets cleaned and made safe to drink.
Why is it Important?
Besides providing water for farms and homes, the American Canal also helps protect neighborhoods in south El Paso. It does this by preventing floods. Imagine heavy rains causing the river to overflow. The canal helps manage this extra water, keeping homes safe and dry.
How it Works
The canal starts by taking water from the Rio Grande. This happens at the American Diversion Dam, about 2 miles northwest of El Paso. The canal then flows alongside the Rio Grande for about 2.1 miles. After this, the water flows into the Franklin Canal. From there, it connects to a larger network of canals. This network helps distribute water to different areas.
History of the Canal
Building the American Canal began a long time ago, in 1938. It was a big project to help manage water resources in the region. Over the years, it has continued to be a vital part of El Paso's water system. In 2020, the canal underwent restoration work. This helps keep it working well for many more years.
