Economic factors of Drainage Water Reduction

by J. D. Oster, Univ of California, United States,
J. Letey, Univ of California, United States,
K. Knapp, Univ of California, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Irrigation and Drainage

Abstract:

Properly designed and maintained pressurized systems provide better irrigation control and greater infiltration uniformity. But irrigation costs are increased. Imposition of drainage water disposal costs induces a profitability shift in favor of pressurized systems at disposal costs exceeding $60.00 per megaliter. In the land-locked areas of the San Joaquin Valley there is an economic incentive to adopt pressurized systems before installing a tile drain/evaporation pond system for drainage water collection and salt disposal. The sustainability of this strategy depends on the extent of natural drainage. Conjunctive use of pumped and surface irrigation water would be required to maintain existing hydraulic gradients. However this may not be an acceptable practice because of the resulting degradation of underground water quality. Additional aspects of the subject are discussed.

Subject Headings: Drainage systems | Economic factors | Drainage | Irrigation systems | Benefit cost ratios | Water conservation | Irrigation water | California | United States

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