Commercial, agricultural, and recreational canals continue to be important economic drivers in many countries. A wide range of geosynthetic products, such
as geotextiles, geomembranes, and geosynthetic clay liners (GCL), help create more efficient waterways. These geosynthetics improve the long-term performance
of canal systems by preventing bed and slope erosion and by decreasing significantly the risk of problematic sedimentation. The oldest canal installation carried out
with a nonwoven geotextile is a testament to the long-term durability and success of geosynthetics in erosion control applications.

Water quality is preserved, water flows more dependably, and canals continue to operate as intended.    When installed below permeable revetments
(e.g., riprap) asa filter layer, needlepunched nonwoven geotextiles prevent erosion and soil displacement, even under high hydrodynamic loads.   
The high elongation capacity and robustness of the nonwoven geotextiles allow them to easily accommodate to irregular and soft subgrades.

Geotextiles are also used in protection applications with canals, such as to separate a barrier material (e.g., geomembrane) from a cover aggregate.   
When geotextiles like H are used this way, the canal lining system takes full advantage of the durability properties of the nonwoven geotextiles.   

The lining system is protected against damage during installation, which is crucial to ensuring its proper performance in service.

For irrigation canals, geosynthetic lining systems prevent seepage loss into soils. This improves the economics and sustainability of the irrigation
system.The geosynthetic barrier also optimizes water flow in the canal network.    Irrigation is conveyed more quickly and efficiently. 

For hydroelectric canal systems, water is delivered to the power generating stations more dependably and cleanly.

Commercial and recreational canals also benefit from the installation of geosynthetic lining systems. Geomembranes and GCL barriers can
prevent sedimentation of waterways from high flow or from propellers stirring up the water along the bed.    Where water levels are at an
elevation higher than the natural groundwater level, the seal guards against seepage loss, thus keeping the canals open to safe navigation.

Geosynthetic clay liners can be installed underwater during active canal operations.  One type of uses a composite construction with a sand
ballast mat. For canals undergoing rehabilitation, this GCL-sandmat composite can give an aging network new life without taking the system
out of service.

Geomembranes are available in smooth and textured varieties to optimize designs for better flow, more effective transfer of shear forces, and
more secure slope lining.  These barriers may be used in water-covered, partially exposed, and fully covered (by soil or concrete) designs.

Nonwoven geotextiles, such as , perform many critical functions for canal systems.  They cushion and protect containment geosynthetics. 
They prevent erosion and separate disparate soils.  They filter out sedimentation and guard against washout.  Ultimately, their robustness
and versatility help ensure long-term, successful performance for canals.