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Potential for Controlling Quality of Irrigation Return Flows¹

ABSTRACT

Water quality problems associated with irrigation return flows are difficult to assess accurately and to control effectively. They include salinity increase, nutrient loss, sediment transport, and pesticide residue. The effects of these on the quality of receiving waters are discussed. Potential control measures that may prove effective in alleviating the detrimental effects of irrigation return flows are suggested. These may involve physical changes in the system, improvements in present management and cultural practices, or changes in the institutional influences upon the system. The potentials for improving the quality of return flows through changes in the water delivery system, farm water management practices, and water removal system are outlined and discussed. Research investigations will be required to further evaluate the effectiveness of many of the controls suggested.

Key Words: water quality • salinity • pollution • control measures

¹ Contribution of Robert S. Kerr Water Research Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Ada, Okla. 74820, in cooperation with the Dept. of Agr. Eng., Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo. Financial support of the Office of Water Quality Research of the Environmental Protection Agency through Grant no. 13030 FVN is gratefully acknowledged.

² Research Soil Scientist, Robert S. Kerr Water Research Center, and Associate Professor of Agricultural Engineering, Colorado State University, respectively.

Received for publication September 24, 1971.