Yuma Project

The Yuma Project is a large irrigation system along the Colorado River in California consisting of dams, pumping stations, and hundreds of kilometers of canals. The system distributes water across thousands of hectares of farmland in an otherwise dry region.

Construction began in 1903 with dams and canals built by the federal government. It was one of the first major water diversion projects on the Colorado River and made desert farming possible.

The project enabled the region to shift from small-scale farming to large-scale agricultural operations. This shaped the daily work and way of life for generations of farm families.

The area is viewable from nearby roads and provides good views at various points along the canals and dam system. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when lighting is favorable and temperatures are more comfortable.

The system uses a sophisticated drainage network that intercepts excess water from the All-American Canal and redirects it. This network is less visible than the canals themselves but plays a key role in protecting the region from waterlogging.