Main experiences on design and management of the Dujiangyan irrigation system

The largescale Dujiangyan Irrigation System has had a long history. Built some 2200 years ago, it still operates smoothly today. Two major causes for the obvious profits it has provided are:Firstly, Yuzui (a bifurcation pier), Feishayan (a sand outlet and spillway) and Baopingkou (a diversion intake for the general trunk canal), the three main head-works were built in accordance with the terrain and topography of the river and appropriately arranged, thus successfully solving the problem of sand discharge and flood control. Consequently the task of gravity diversion could be fulfilled over a long period.Secondly, there is a special management and maintenance system, which is made up of a technical and an administrative department. The former is in charge of the maintenance and drawing-up of flood control and water consuming plans. The latter is responsible to mobilize and organize farmers which benefit from the system to carry out related plans and tasks. The most apparent characteristics of management is that many farmers are organized to participate in the management of this irrigation system. At present, techniques like remote control and telemetery have been adopted. Also experiments on management automation and optimization of water allocation are being conducted.