The capacity of the canal outlet is 175 cubic feet per second, and the capacity of the river outlet is 100 cubic feet per second. Kirwin Main Canal begins at the stilling well at the downstream face of the dam and extends 13.4 miles on the north side of the river, where it branches into the Kirwin North and Kirwin South Canals. The initial capacity of the main canal is 175 cubic feet per second. The Kirwin North Canal continues on the north side of the river 14.3,miles and has an initial capacity of 70 cubic feet per second. The Kirwin South Canal crosses the river in a siphon, extends along the south side of the river for 16.3 miles, and has an initial capacity of 60 cubic feet per second.
Laterals extend from all three canals to serve the project lands.
These laterals consist of the Kirwin Main, Kirwin North, and Kirwin South, and total approximately 38 miles in length. In addition, there are about 2.5 miles of drains. Kirwin Dam and Reservoir are operated and maintained by the Bureau of Reclamation. Operation of the reservoir is coordinated with that of other reservoirs in the Kansas River Basin. Water in the flood control capacity is regulated in accordance with instructions furnished by the Corps of Engineers.