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Water and Agriculture

The largest user of water is the agriculture industry. Efficient water management is essential, especially in dry areas. Isolated farm families traditionally obtained water from nearby streams, springs and wells. Today, vast irrigation projects that carry water great distances are common, and are financed by irrigation districts or through the federal government. In projects of such large scale, hydrologists often are involved in determining the best water supply source.

A hydrologists may design a network of wells for a farm and specify a pumping rate for each well that will minimize interference between wells. Working with other scientists and engineers, hydrologists may help plan a system of dams, canals and ditches based on soil properties, land slope, depth of the water table, climate and other factors.

Improperly managed, the farm can be a source of pollution. Sediment from eroded fields can choke streams and silt reservoirs. Fertilizers, pesticides and feedlot waste may leach into groundwater or wash into streams, poisoning plants, fish and wildlife. Soil and chemical losses also are costly for farmers. Soil and water conservationists with an interest in hydrology work with farmers to develop plans for control of soil erosion and salinity, and for conservation of water. They examine soil properties such as depth, texture, nutrient content, permeability and erodibility.

To reduced erosion, conservationists recommend areas be terraced, contour-plowed, or kept permanently vegetated such as streambanks and drainage ditches. Special irrigation techniques save water and improve its distribution over the crops. The construction of farm ponds provides a habitat for fish and birds. Hydrologists also monitor local weather patterns to foresee conservation problems before they arise, predict spring and summer runoff, alert farmers to possible flooding or shortages, and develop appropriate conservation measures.

How YOU can help Save Water.

• Plant drought resistant trees and plants: Xeriscape
  Landscape with plants that require less water. These plants can be very attractive and can survive drought better than turf. Rocks, gravel, benches, and deck areas can all be used to creatively decorate the yard.
• Choose an Automatic Irrigation System
  An automatic sprinkler system can be set to water the lawn for a specified amount of time. This saves your time and waters the lawn evenly. If you don't have an automatic sprinkling system, set a kitchen timer. A lot of water can be wasted in a short period of time if you forget to turn your sprinklers off. Outdoor faucets can flow at rates as high as 300 gallons per hour.
• Use a Cistern to Collect Rainwater
  1,000 square feet of roof or pavement can collect 420 gallons of water from 1 inch of rain. Rooftops or any sloping surface such as a driveway are prime "catchment" areas for rainwater. Store the collected water in a cistern or rain barrel, and siphon it off to water your garden or wash your car. A plastic or metal garbage can is easily converted to a cistern by attaching a spigot and hose. Locate your cistern close to wherever you plan to use the water, and consider the massive weight of such a tank if you plan to put it on your roof. To filter out leaves and debris, install a removable screen at the entrance to the cistern.
• Spot water
  Drier areas require more water than areas where water settles. If necessary, water dry areas by hand.
• Use a soil probe to test soil moisture
  Water only when a soil probe shows dry soil or a screwdriver is difficult to push into the soil.
• Water the lawn only when needed
  Step on the grass; if it springs back up when you move your foot, it does not need water. Some grasses will have a bluish cast when they begin to wilt.
• Don't water the pavement
  Position sprinklers so that water lands on the lawn or garden, not in areas where it is not needed. Also avoid watering when it is windy. Wind causes water to evaporate quickly and blows water onto areas where it is not needed. Remember, if it doesn't grow, don't water it!
• Water without waste
  Interrupt watering when puddles or runoff occur. This allows the water to penetrate into the soil before resuming irrigation.
• Consider drip irrigation systems around trees and shrubs
  Drip systems permit water to flow slowly to roots, encouraging strong root systems. These systems will also cut down evaporation.
• Keep lawn free of weeds
  Weeds are water thieves and will rob your plants of water and nutrients. Spot spray or remove weeds as they appear.
• Accept a less than lush lawn
  Grass will naturally go dormant during periods of drought, but will readily regenerate when water becomes available. Reduce traffic on stressed turf areas if possible.
• Match fertilizer to the plant requirement
  Fertilizer applications require additional water. Excess fertilizer stimulates top growth, often to the detriment of the root system. Learn to accept turf grasses with low water needs.
• Mow as infrequently as possible
  Mowing puts the grass under additional stress that requires more water.
• Mow higher than normal
  Longer leaf surfaces promote deeper rooting and shade the root zone. Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade in one mowing. Return mulched clippings to the lawn.
• Use a broom to clean the driveway and sidewalk
  Sweeping the driveway and sidewalk will get them clean enough without wasting gallons of water.
• Don't let the water run while washing the car
  Get the car wet, then turn off the water while you soap the car down using a bucket of soapy water. Turn on the water again for a final rinse. Use the bucket of soapy water on the flower bed or garden.
• Don't use the sprinklers just to cool off or for play
  Running through water from a hose or sprinkler is fun but wastes gallons of water.
• Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, and faucet
  All leaks cause water to be wasted. Repair or replace any equipment leaking water.
• Cover your swimming pool
  Covering a swimming pool will help reduce evaporation. An average sized pool can use about 1,000 gallons of water per month if left uncovered. A pool cover can cut the loss by up to 90%.
  Do not cover the pond but use plants such as water lilies to cover the surface.
• Recycle your pool or pond water
  Backwashing or draining your pool into the street is against the Water Conservation Landscaping and Water Waste Ordinance. Use your pool water to irrigate your lawn, plants, trees, and shrubs. Once you have recycled as much water as possible, find your sanitary sewer clean-out. Remove the cap and pump the pool water into the sewer at a rate not to exceed 20 gallons per minute: a faster rate could cause back-up into your house. Pump rentals are available at swimming pool supply stores and equipment rental companies.
  Pond water is an excellent source of nutrients for the lawn or garden so when draining the pond be sure to either pump the water out or dip it out rather than draining it into the sewer or street. Be sure you have some fish in the pond to consume the mosquito larva when they are present. Gambusia (small guppy size fish) are available free from the city (or friends) so you won't have to use insecticides or flush the larva away.
• Use shut-off nozzles on hoses
  Shut-off nozzles completely turn off the water when you are not using it.
• Move sprinkler heads away from curbs or sidewalks
  A mulch, bark, or rock area at least 8 inches wide adjacent to sidewalks and curbs will help eliminate water waste.

Adapted from the City of Albuquerque web site.

02/01/2009

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