IV. River Floodwater Harvesting

 

Stream Irrigation System
An irrigation system that makes use of water flowing in a natural stream

 

 

Basin Irrigation (dykes and levees)
Water is diverted from the river into a feeder canal. Artificial basins are created by a system of levees (a high embankment parallel to the channel) and a series of cross-dykes. The embankment next to the Nile is called Tarad. The cross dykes are called “Salayib”  (pl., sing. Saliba). Water is drained back into the river through a drainage canal.  Each group of five or six basins constitutes a chain (Silsila). Canals leading to lower parts of the basins are called syialat (pl., siyala, sing.). The canal ?????

Qanatir  (Egypt)

Water gates constructed to regulate the flow of water in a stream. They are also used as  bridges.

 

Hod zar’. Small farming basins

Small basins for planting vegetables and other crops are created by constructing low ridges. The basins are fed by water runnels.

 

Wells

Wells may be dug to take advantage of water seepage from irrigation canals and the main streams in areas outside those supplied by canals or to ensure supply of water regardless of the water level in a canal. In the Faiyum, Egypt, a water well dating to the Roman period was found at Karanis, Faiyum Oasis.

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