Drought in the Western United States has been a serious problem over the past several years, especially for farmers in the region. To help ease the difficulties associated with water shortage, a family farm in Vallecitos, New Mexico, decided to try a new method of conserving water for irrigation. In 1993, they created a novel device that lines an acequia (or ditch), generating 40% greater water recovery.
Needless to say, the new Fast Ditch device was an instant success. However, the continuing drought elevated the risk for fire, and the burgeoning small business needed to know just how their liner would perform under fire conditions. Fast Ditch approached Sandia to test and evaluate the effects a brush fire would have on the liner. Through the NMSBAP, a Sandia scientist designed an experiment plan and fire-tested the liner. Test results provided Fast Ditch with a method of installation to help their liner survive brush fires. Fast Ditch incorporated the improvements into their product design and installation, and they are now well on their way to marketing their product for global application.