…[University of California, Merced] found that covering all 4,000 miles of California’s canals could save enough water for 2 million people through reduced evaporation — and generate power for 2 million homes annually. The results caught the state’s attention and helped launch Project Nexus, a $20 million pilot funded by California. Turlock Irrigation District was chosen for the project in part because it manages 250 miles of open canals and is also the local energy provider. … Their narrow-span canal has been online since March, providing renewable energy to their customers while the wide-span canal — more than 100 feet across — is under construction and expected to go live later this year.

• Western Water Rewind: Solar-paneled canopies over canals catching on in Southwest