Alamo Canal, Border irrigation canal between Imperial Valley, United States and Mexicali, Mexico
The Alamo Canal is an irrigation system that extends across Mexican and American territory, directing water from the Colorado River to the Alamo River. It is controlled by gates, pumps, and lift stations that distribute water to farms on both sides of the border.
The canal was planned and built around 1900 under George Chaffey's leadership to bring water to drier areas. An uncontrolled breach between 1904 and 1906 had unexpected consequences for the region.
The canal connects farming communities on both the Mexican and American sides, flowing as a shared waterway that sustains agriculture for people across the border. Residents in both regions depend on this system for their livelihoods.
The system is accessible at various points, but many areas are reserved for agricultural use and may require permission to enter. It helps to check water flow conditions during different seasons, as these vary depending on farming needs.
An uncontrolled breach in the canal between 1904 and 1906 led to the formation of the Salton Sea, which is now California's largest lake. This event shows how an irrigation structure inadvertently created an entirely new geographic landscape.
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