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What is Irrigation Water Management?

Integrated Water Management (IWM) is an integrated strategy for managing crop water use for maximum efficiency. To implement IWM, you need to know some essential information about your farming operation. Ask yourself these questions:

1. What are the performance characteristics of my irrigation system?

2. How much water do my crops need and when do they need it?

The Farm and Home Advisory can help you answer the first question.  Mission RCD can help answer the second question by conducting an IRRIGATION SYSTEM EVALUATION.

Mission RCD has provided irrigation water management assistance to north county growers for over 15 years. The process starts when you have an IRRIGATION SYSTEM EVALUATION, the foundation of irrigation water management.

What does an Irrigation System Evaluation entail?

The primary purpose of an irrigation evaluation is to assess the performance of your irrigation system while it is in operation. To do this, we'll have you turn on various portions of the system for a short time so we can measure its output and uniformity.

How long does an Irrigation System Evaluation take to complete?

While this can vary depending on the size of the property and the complexity of the irrigation system, a typical evaluation lasts between 3 and 4 hours. You will get the most out of the evaluation if you can take the time to follow us through the entire process. 

What is the final product of an Irrigation System Evaluation – what do I get?

We will provide you with a detailed report that includes:

·        Data on the system's flow rate and performance;

·        Observations and recommendations to improve system performance (if needed);

·        Information about the soils on your property and their water holding capacity;

·        Information on crop water use patterns.

What does an Irrigation System Evaluation cost?

There is NO COST for an Irrigation System Evaluation!  It’s absolutely free.  There’s no catch. The San Diego County Water Authority and Bureau of Reclamation fund these evaluations. If you are located within the Rainbow Creek Watershed, your evaluation is funded by the EPA. These public funding sources allow us to provide you with unbiased information.

Who qualifies for an Irrigation System Evaluation?

Everyone who owns or manages 2 or more irrigated acres of crop land in San Diego County is eligible for an irrigation system evaluation. 

How do I sign up for an Irrigation System Evaluation?

Simply call us at Mission RCD at (760) 728-1332 and we’ll be happy to sign you up!

Extra Funding exists for You, the Landowner, to help pay for improvements on your system following our recommendations from the irrigation system evaluation.

The Natural Resource Conservation Service administers an Environmental Quality Incentive Program, which provides cost-sharing incentives for eligible landowners. Find out more at the EQIP Page. More information will soon be available on-line; we will make sure you have access to them as soon as we can. In the mean time, why not call us for a brochure?

                                                Last Updated: June 10, 2008