Rehabilitating Irrigation Systems with USDA Water Quality Programs

by John D. Hedlund, West Natl Technical Cent, Portland, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Irrigation and Drainage: Saving a Threatened Resource?In Search of Solutions

Abstract:

Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) targeted several irrigated areas with chemically-impaired water bodies for accelerated technical and financial assistance to improve water quality. Participation in USDA water quality programs is voluntary and farmers or groups apply for assistance. A water quality plan, specifically tailored to each irrigation system, is prepared by Soil Conservation Service (SCS) and the farmer. Many irrigation systems are over 100 years old and in need of rehabilitation and modernization. Improvement in irrigation water management is as important as structural practices to enable farmers to control pesticide, fertilizer, sediment, toxic, and salinity pollutants, which may move with the water to the ground or surface waters.

Subject Headings: Water quality | Water pollution | Irrigation systems | Water conservation | Water management | Water resources | Salt water

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