Bureau of Reclamation

Happy Pi Day! ????? Today, we’re celebrating the number that never ends—and the resources that help make pie possible. At Reclamation, we’re proud to support the industries that keep communities thriving. Our water powers agriculture, growing the wheat for your crust and the fruit for your filling. Our hydropower keeps ovens running, ensuring that every slice—whether it’s apple, cherry, or pumpkin—is baked to perfection. So, whether you’re calculating π or just enjoying a well-earned piece of pie, we’re here for you—providing water and power that fuel industries, innovation, and, yes, even dessert.

Our Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project in New Mexico is hosting an Industry Day on Wednesday, April 2, for those pursuing contractual work for remaining construction requirements. The NGWSP will serve a population of over 250,000 people, including 43 Navajo chapters where more than one third of tribal members still have to haul water to their homes. See flyer below for more information! ?? #waterislife #construction #InfrastructureDevelopment #infrastructure #gallupnm #navajonation

What is LiDAR, and why does it matter? In simple terms, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is a remote sensing technology that uses lasers to measure distances and create detailed 3D models. It’s widely used in mapping, construction, and even autonomous vehicles! At Reclamation, LiDAR is another powerful tool in our mission success! We use it to: ?? Collect high-accuracy elevation data to monitor dam settling over time ?? Map terrain, even under dense vegetation ?? Analyze slopes & elevation for environmental monitoring One big advantage? LiDAR can penetrate vegetation to accurately map bare ground—even through tree canopies or tall grass! This cutting-edge tech helps us see what others can’t. Precision matters! #Reclamation

The team at Friant Dam recently hosted a delegation of water management officials from the Republic of Uzbekistan, including the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Water Resources. During their visit, the delegation toured several Central Valley Project facilities, including the Friant-Kern Canal and Friant Dam. At Friant Dam, the Operations Manager of the CVP Office provided a presentation on California’s water delivery system. The tour team also highlighted the critical role of Friant-Kern Canal flows in supporting Central Valley agriculture, the history of Friant Dam, and the benefits of its hydropower operations.#Reclamation #Hydropower #CAWater

As we set our clocks forward for daylight saving time this weekend, let’s also shine a light on the incredible work of the Reclamation team. They manage water resources, ensure hydroelectric power generation and more. ????

It took many brave people to build our nation’s infrastructure. Here we see workers perched high atop one of the many transmission towers that stand roughly 120 feet high. To deliver electricity being produced by the Hoover Dam powerplant, the transmission towers and lines had to be constructed to deliver power to the West. #Reclamation101

Celebrating 50 Years of Page, Arizona! Half a century ago, a small community carved from the red rock desert officially became the town of Page, Arizona! From its humble beginnings as a construction camp for Glen Canyon Dam to the vibrant town it is today, Page has grown into a gateway for adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. The City of Page celebrated its golden anniversary on Saturday, March 1, with a parade on Lake Powell Boulevard and a time capsule unveiling at Page City Hall. Home to world-famous landmarks like Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, and Lake Powell, Page has welcomed explorers, outdoor enthusiasts, and history lovers for decades. Here's to 50 years of resilience, beauty, and community—and to many more ahead! #Reclamation

After 71 years of service, crews recently replaced the original Marys Lake turbine runner, which had been damaged by cavitation—a process where air bubbles cause shock waves that wear down metal. The original runner, made of mild steel, had patches of stainless steel due to cavitation damage. The new runner, installed in 2024, is made of stainless steel and is built to last even longer. #Reclamation

?? Achievement Alert! ?? Congratulations to Erin Chidester on winning the 2025 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Merit Award! This prestigious award recognizes outstanding contributions to the U.S. Department of the Interior FOIA program, and Erin’s achievements are truly exceptional. Since joining the Bureau of Reclamation as FOIA Officer in January 2024, Erin has: ?? Reduced Reclamation’s FOIA request backlog by 84% ?? Centralized FOIA operations to improve efficiency and eliminate silos ?? Developed and implemented standard operating procedures that enhance request processing ?? Negotiated a Service Level Agreement with Reclamation’s five Regional Directors, ensuring a clear and consistent FOIA process Her professionalism, diligence, and subject matter expertise have made a tremendous impact on Reclamation’s FOIA operations. Erin’s leadership is shaping the future of FOIA excellence! “Thank you so much for this incredible honor,” said Chidester. “I truly appreciate this recognition, though I can't take credit for all of it. It was a collective effort, and I am fortunate to work with an amazing team whose dedication and hard work are at the heart of our success. I'm also fortunate to collaborate with such a talented and dedicated team across Interior, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of FOIA at Reclamation and beyond.” Congratulations again, Erin! ???? #Leadership #Reclamation

For Women’s History Month, Reclamation recognizes the women who worked on the Minidoka project during World War I. Labor shortages during the war impacted the project and in 1918, Reclamation hired women to work as powerplant operators and surveyors. The first Minidoka project historical photo depicts the survey crew, referred to as “one party of girls” in the project archives. The surveyors were hired from September to December. Reclamation historical records state that, “In spite of no previous experience, they did very good work and made excellent progress.” Available records identify the individuals as Elizabeth Gardner, Anna Lomas, Esther Miller, and Helen Holtz. The second Minidoka project historical photo depicts three of the women hired as powerplant operators. Records show that five women in total were hired, and that they achieved “satisfactory results.” The individuals pictured are Reva Moore, Fern Fullmer, and Luella Wixom. Women helped maintain and develop infrastructure during an important time in American history and historic images such as these underscore the value of their work. Women have made and continue to make crucial contributions to Reclamation. #WomensHistoryMonth #WaterForTheWest