SRP South Canal

Part of: SRP Canals

The South Canal was built by the federal government between 1906 and 1908 to unify the entire south side canal system. Previously, most of the south side canals had separate headings.

One of the significant features of the South Canal is the Val Vista Water Treatment Plant. It was built in 1975 to supply Mesa and Phoenix with water for domestic use. Prior to 1975, Mesa received its water from a single well. The treatment plant increased the amount of water the city received by more than four times during its second year of operation.

The South Consolidated Hydroelectric Unit was built in 1980-1981 to provide inexpensive hydroelectric power to SRP customers. Partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the station has a 1,400 kW generating capacity. It is mostly underground in an effort to keep the environmental impact to a minimum.