Water Conservation is of paramount importance to East Valley Water District and the agricultural community. The effectiveness and sustainability of present and future water supplies depend on our ability to use resources wisely. District members have access to economic and environmental methods of irrigation and water use.
Energy Trust of Oregon
Investing in efficient technologies to irrigate offers an opportunity to save on energy costs now, and help provide a sustainable resource for the future. Energy Trust of Oregon offers several programs to help with the cost of upgrading equipment. Visit their website for the latest list of economic incentives.
Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and tapping renewable resources.
Strategies for Conserving Agricultural Water
Irrigation Scheduling
Irrigation scheduling is a strategy that uses input from soil moisture monitors, weather data and evaporation [evotranspiration] data to make decisions on when to apply water to crops. This method helps to get the most out of irrigation water. Clackamas County Soil and Water Conservation District and Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District are great resources for information on irrigation scheduling.
Apply the Water Uniformly
Make sure you have the correct nozzle size, sprinkler spacing and system pressure for your sprinkler systems. During each application, ensure that you are applying the greatest depth of water possible without causing any runoff.
For surface irrigation, move the water quickly across your field. Irrigate every other furrow. Irrigate on rows compacted by tractor traffic. Probing the soil will help keep track of the wetter soil to determine irrigation effectiveness.
Information on this page was sourced from Oregon Water Resources Department and Energy Trust of Oregon.