Repair the irrigation lateral headgate serving the Orchard Mesa community orchard (2026-07-20)

The headgate that feeds irrigation water to the Orchard Mesa orchard from the local irrigation lateral has a seized lift screw and a cracked concrete apron, making it hard to set an even flow. Surface repair of the gate hardware and apron, working from the bank only, completes the orchard's water-efficiency sequence and gives it reliable flow control. Standard: USDA NRCS EQIP irrigation efficiency practice Proof: Before and after photo of the headgate plus a working-gate check logged. Method (USDA NRCS EQIP irrigation efficiency practice): 1. Inspect the headgate boards, screw stem, and frame from the bank side for cracks, rot, or seized hardware. 2. Clear debris and silt from the gate opening by hand from the bank, without entering the waterway. 3. Replace worn gate boards or hardware and grease the lift screw or wheel mechanism. 4. Patch any spalled concrete on the headgate apron with patch compound. 5. Test the gate opens and closes smoothly and photograph the finished repair. Done when: Before and after photo of the headgate plus a working-gate check logged.

Where

Irrigation lateral headgate, Orchard Mesa, Grand Junction, CO

Pay

$460 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

Before and after photo of the headgate plus a working-gate check logged.

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

advanced

Open until

2026-08-19

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 60–120 minutes. Method of record: Mobile Irrigation Lab catch-can distribution-uniformity audit

Bring

• matched catch cans (or cups)
• measuring cylinder / ruler
• pressure gauge
• stopwatch
• GPS phone
• camera
• data sheet

Steps

1. 1. Confirm the site/zone; record GPS; identify the system type (sprinkler / drip / micro).
2. 2. Sprinkler zones: lay catch cans on a grid across the zone, run the zone a fixed time, and measure the water depth in each can.
3. 3. Compute distribution uniformity (low-quarter DU) from the catch-can depths.
4. 4. Drip/micro zones: measure emitter flow at several points (fill a container over a fixed time) and inspect for clogs and leaks.
5. 5. Read operating pressure at the zone; note leaks, broken/misaligned heads, and overspray onto pavement.
6. 6. Review the run schedule against plant/soil need (over/under-watering, runoff).
7. 7. Rank fixes (head repair, pressure regulation, schedule change) by water savings; record DU/emitter flow, pressure, leaks, schedule note, photos; sign.

If it does not match the plan

• Low-quarter DU < 0.65 (sprinkler) -> flag poor uniformity for repair/redesign.
• Visible runoff or overspray onto pavement -> flag schedule/head correction.
• Emitter clogging or line leaks (drip) -> flag maintenance.
• Broken/misaligned head -> flag for repair. Documentation only; no repairs by surveyor.

What counts as done

• Distribution uniformity (or drip emitter-flow) recorded
• Operating pressure recorded
• Broken/leaking components + overspray noted
• Schedule-vs-need note + ranked fixes + GPS + photos

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.