These represent smaller 'laterals,' ditches that take water from the large canals to various delivery points in irrigated areas. Of the 924 miles of laterals, nearly 842 are lined with concrete or pipe to help reduce water loss from seepage into the ground. And more are lined or piped each year. Water is routed into and through these laterals by a series of turnout gates. Residential irrigation customers take their water entitlement at regularly scheduled intervals throughout the year by opening valves that release water onto their property for specific time periods.
Laterals can be either underground or open to the elements.
Most laterals north of the Salt River in urban areas are underground. Many of the laterals that take water from canals in agricultural areas south of the river are open ditches.