Digging deeper – what’s in your water?

Do a water test. Without it, you are gambling on assumptions.

For drip irrigation, you will be looking at what physical elements are present and the water’s chemical properties.

Physical
Water
Inorganic
Sand and other foreign particles

Can cause clogging
Dissolved minerals
Although these generally don’t clog an irrigation system, they can settle, they can lead to bacterial growth, and they can precipitate when exposed to air and chlorine (especially iron and manganese)
Organic
Algae, slime, plants, and other living organisms

Can cause clogging

Further, organic matter can grow in the system
Salinity
Does not impact the drip irrigation system components directly, but will influence salinity management and crop choice
pH
The pH of the water can increase clogging risk via precipitation. pH can also be optimized via chemigations

 

Keep in mind:

 

  • There are different standards around the world to measure water. Ensure that the lab you obtain results from are in a common standard, and to the same standard as whoever is making the irrigation design.

  • Surface water changes during the season, whereas groundwater remains relatively constant.

 

 

An example of irrigation water test results:

 

The Rivulis Water Quality Questionnaire
Below is the questionnaire that the Rivulis design team uses to assess your water quality.

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