Repairs prompt NPPD to drain Kearney Canal for the season

KEARNEY, Neb. — The Kearney Canal will run dry a little earlier than typical this year.

Nebraska Public Power District announced Monday that it is in the process of lowering the canal and it will be without water until the spring. An NPPD spokesman says the canal normally has water until October, but crews found an area that needs repaired and will begin work this month. 

“They found some water seepage and because they have finished irrigation along the canal for the year, NPPD opted to dewater the canal so they can make repairs,” NPPD spokesman Grant Otten said.

The Kearney Canal is used for irrigation and feeds into the Kearney Hydro, a 1-megawatt hydro generation facility located near 15th Avenue and University Drive.