Assessing Irrigation Impact on Instream Flow

by Roger B. Wallace, Michigan State Univ, East Lansing, MI, USA,
James Pawloskim, Michigan State Univ, East Lansing, MI, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water for Resource Development

Abstract:

A hydrologic model to help river system managers determines the demand for irrigation water in a two mile wide strip of land along the river using information which is generally available to estimate how crop type, soil type, irrigated area, and rainfall fluctuations over a period of 20 growing seasons combine to produce a varying demand for irrigation water. Irrigation demands are compared to estimates of natural instream flow expected for the same period. The model is applied to a watershed in Michigan as part of a study to develop quantitative methods which can be used to identify both the location and degree of conflict between irrigation and other uses for instream flow. This information will also be useful to irrigators who can benefit from better knowledge of where sufficient surface water exists for conflict-free supplemental irrigation.

Subject Headings: Irrigation | Streamflow | Irrigation water | Hydrologic models | Water demand | Soil water | Rain water | Michigan | United States

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