In the late 1990's the USBR concluded that an estimated 70,000 acre-feet per year of water is lost due to seepage along a 23-mile section of the All-American Canal running through the sand dunes from Pilot Knob to Drop 3. Until recently, the cost associated with seepage recovery was considered prohibitive.

In 1998, Public Law 100-675 was enacted. It authorizes the secretary of the interior to line the All-American Canal or to recover seepage from it. The IID is currently developing a water conservation project that will fulfill the requirements mandated by this law.

In August 1998, the state legislation was approved and $235 million was appropriated for a water project that ensures continued flows from the Colorado River. Of the appropriation, $200 million will be used to concrete line part of the All-American Canal and its Coachella branch. The remaining $35 million will increase underground water storage along the Colorado River aqueduct.

The interior department notified IID in November 1999 that the 1994 Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report and Record of Decision on the lining of the canal continues to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and the California Environmental Quality Act and should be valid until construction is complete in 2008.

For more information and a breif history visit the All-American Canal page of this website.