Rainwater Harvesting for Irrigation: A Proven, Cost-Effective

Rainwater Harvesting for Irrigation: A Proven, Cost-Effective Water Security Solution for Modern Agricultural Operations As groundwater aquifers decline at a rate of 1.2 feet per year across 40% of U.S. irrigated farmland (USDA 2023 Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey), municipal and agricultural water

Rainwater Harvesting for Irrigation: A Proven, Cost-Effective Water Security Solution for Modern Agricultural Operations

As groundwater aquifers decline at a rate of 1.2 feet per year across 40% of U.S. irrigated farmland (USDA 2023 Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey), municipal and agricultural water rates rise 6-8% annually, and drought-related crop losses cost U.S. producers an average of $3.2 billion per year, rainwater harvesting (RWH) for irrigation has evolved from a niche conservation practice to a core component of profitable, resilient farm operations. Unlike temporary drought responses such as emergency water hauling or mandatory irrigation cutbacks, purpose-built agricultural RWH systems capture, store, and deliver low-salinity rainwater directly to irrigation networks, reducing reliance on overdrawn water sources, cutting input costs, extending the lifespan of irrigation equipment, and improving crop performance over multi-decade time horizons. Data from the 2024 Irrigation Association Industry Report shows that 17% of U.S. farms now use harvested rainwater for at least a portion of irrigation needs, up from 8% in 2013, with adoption projected to grow 65% by 2030 as water regulations tighten and drought frequency increases.

The Economic and Regulatory Drivers Shifting RWH Adoption

The rapid growth in RWH for irrigation is fueled by tangible financial and regulatory pressures that show no signs of abating. Across the Western U.S., Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) mandates are forcing farms to reduce groundwater pumping by 20-50% in critically overdrafted basins, with non-compliance penalties ranging from $500-$1,000 per acre of irrigated land. In the Midwest, rising aquifer pumping depths have increased irrigation energy costs by 35% since 2012 for corn and soybean operations, while Eastern U.S. farms face periodic municipal water use restrictions during summer dry spells that can disrupt high-value specialty crop production. A 2024 UN FAO report found that smallholder and commercial farms using RWH for irrigation reduce total irrigation costs by 38% on average, with high-value specialty crop operations seeing cost savings as high as 52% when accounting for avoided crop losses during curtailments.

Water quality benefits are another underrecognized driver of RWH adoption. Harvested rainwater has a total dissolved solids (TDS) level of 10-50 mg/L, compared to 200-1,200 mg/L for most groundwater sources and 150-800 mg/L for surface water supplies. Texas A&M AgriLife 2023 research found that using low-TDS rainwater for drip and micro-sprinkler irrigation reduces emitter clogging by 68%, cutting annual irrigation equipment maintenance labor and part replacement costs by $18-$32 per acre for specialty crop operations. Unlike many groundwater sources, rainwater contains no added chlorine, high sodium levels, or boron that can damage sensitive crops such as blueberries, wine grapes, and leafy greens, leading to measurable improvements in yield and crop quality.

Drought Resilience and Yield Stability Data From U.S. and Global Operations

The core value of RWH for irrigation is its ability to decouple crop production from volatile water supplies and increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns. During the 2022-2023 Western U.S. megadrought, farms using RWH reported 47% lower exposure to water curtailments than operations relying solely on groundwater or surface water, according to the Irrigation Association. Long-term data from USDA NRCS shows that properly sized RWH systems can meet 40-60% of seasonal irrigation demand in areas with 30+ inches of annual rainfall, and 20-30% of demand in semi-arid regions with 15-29 inches of annual rain. FAO global data confirms that smallholder farms using RWH for irrigation see 24% higher crop yields during drought periods compared to peers relying exclusively on conventional water sources, with a 32% reduction in drought-related total crop failure.

Core Components of a High-Performance Agricultural Rainwater Harvesting System for Irrigation

Agricultural RWH systems for irrigation differ significantly from residential systems, as they are engineered for high flow rates, long-term durability, and compatibility with commercial irrigation equipment. The highest-performing systems are designed for 90%+ capture efficiency during rain events, minimal water loss during storage, and seamless integration with existing drip, micro-sprinkler, center pivot, or flood irrigation networks. The five core components of every commercial-grade RWH irrigation system are outlined below.

Catchment Surfaces

Catchment surfaces are the impermeable or semi-permeable areas where rain is collected, and their material directly impacts harvest efficiency and water quality. The most common agricultural catchments include:

Metal roofs (barns, equipment sheds, wineries, high tunnels): The highest-efficiency catchment option, with 90-95% harvest efficiency, no leaching of toxic compounds when coated with lead-free, food-grade paint, and minimal debris buildup. Metal roofs are the gold standard for RWH systems serving high-value crops.
Asphalt shingle roofs: A lower-cost option with 80-85% harvest efficiency, but not recommended for edible crop irrigation if shingles are treated with zinc or copper moss inhibitors, which can accumulate in soil and cause phytotoxicity.
Compacted gravel access roads, equipment yards, and grain bin pads: Moderate efficiency (55-65%) catchments ideal for large-scale row crop RWH systems feeding ponds or large cisterns, but require additional pre-filtration to remove sediment and oil residue.
Cropland runoff and tile drainage outlets: Lower efficiency (40-50%) catchments for large pond systems, requiring sediment retention basins to remove eroded topsoil and nutrient residue before water enters storage.

Operations should avoid catchment surfaces treated with lead-based paint, creosote-coated lumber, or asbestos materials, as these can leach toxic compounds that pose food safety risks for edible crops.

Conveyance Infrastructure

Conveyance infrastructure moves captured rain from catchment surfaces to storage and from storage to irrigation points, and must be sized to handle peak flow rates during 100-year storm events to avoid overflow losses. For rooftop catchments, industrial-grade galvanized steel or Schedule 40 PVC gutters and downspouts are standard, with pipe diameters sized to carry 12 gallons per minute per 1,000 square feet of catchment area, sloped at 1/4 inch per foot to maintain gravity flow and eliminate standing water that can breed mosquitoes or cause pipe corrosion. For field runoff capture, trapezoidal concrete-lined channels or corrugated HDPE pipes are used to direct water to storage, with debris screens at inlets to prevent rocks, crop residue, and other large particulates from entering the system.

First-Flush Diverters

First-flush diverters are a critical, non-negotiable component for irrigation-focused RWH systems, as they divert the initial flow of rainwater from catchment surfaces, which carries 80% of accumulated contaminants (bird droppings, dust, pollen, pesticide residue, oil, and sediment) before water enters storage. Industry standards set by the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) require 10 gallons of first-flush diversion per 1,000 square feet of catchment area. Texas A&M research shows that properly sized first-flush diverters reduce sediment buildup in storage tanks by 89%, extending filter life by 300% and reducing irrigation emitter clogging by 75%.

Storage Reservoirs

Storage reservoirs account for 60-75% of total RWH system upfront costs, and must be selected based on farm size, crop type, irrigation equipment requirements, and available space. A detailed comparison of the most common agricultural storage options is provided in the following section.

Filtration and Distribution Integration

Unlike potable RWH systems, irrigation-focused systems only require filtration matched to the specifications of connected irrigation equipment to prevent clogging and damage:

Drip irrigation systems: 120-150 mesh (100 micron) screen filters, with automatic flush valves to reduce manual maintenance
Micro-sprinkler and micro-irrigation systems: 80 mesh (180 micron) screen or disc filters
Center pivot, big-gun, and solid-set sprinkler systems: 40 mesh (420 micron) screen filters
Furrow/flood irrigation and pasture irrigation: 20 mesh (840 micron) inlet screens to remove large debris

For distribution, low-pressure drip systems (10-25 PSI) can often operate on gravity feed if storage is positioned 23-58 feet above irrigated zones (every 2.31 feet of elevation generates 1 PSI of pressure), eliminating pump energy costs entirely. For higher-pressure systems, variable frequency drive (VFD) booster pumps are the industry standard, as they adjust motor speed to match real-time irrigation flow demand, cutting energy use by 30-40% compared to fixed-speed pumps. All systems require approved backflow preventers to avoid cross-contamination between RWH storage and connected municipal or groundwater supplies, per state plumbing codes.

Comparative Analysis of Agricultural RWH Storage System Types

Selecting the right storage type is the most impactful decision for long-term RWH return on investment (ROI), as storage performance, lifespan, and maintenance requirements vary widely across use cases. The table below compares 2024 pricing, performance, and compatibility data for the most common commercial RWH storage options for irrigation:

System Type	Ideal Agricultural Use Case	Catchment-to-Storage Efficiency	Upfront Cost Per 1,000 Gallon Storage (2024 Pricing)	Estimated Functional Lifespan	Annual Maintenance Cost (% of Upfront Investment)	Irrigation Equipment Compatibility
Above-Ground Corrugated Galvanized Metal Tanks	Small-to-mid size specialty crop farms, high-tunnel operations, orchards <10 acres	90–95% (minimal evaporation/seepage when sealed with food-grade interior liner)	$700–$1,200	20–30 years (with rust prevention coating)	1–2%	Drip irrigation, micro-sprinklers, foliar spray systems, portable sprinklers
Below-Ground Reinforced Concrete Cisterns	Mid-to-large vineyards, vegetable operations, farms with limited above-ground space near irrigation zones	85–92% (zero above-ground evaporation, minor seepage if unsealed)	$1,500–$2,200	50–75 years	0.5–1%	All irrigation types: drip, micro-sprinkler, solid-set sprinkler, center pivot (with booster pump)
HDPE-Lined Farm Ponds	Large row crop operations, pasture/hay operations, farms capturing field runoff and tile drainage	60–75% (losses from evaporation, occasional liner seepage, wildlife access)	$150–$300	25–40 years (liner replacement required every 15–20 years)	2–3% (sediment removal, liner repair, vegetation management)	Flood/furrow irrigation, center pivots, big-gun sprinklers, pasture irrigation
Flexible Modular Bladder Tanks	Seasonal high-value crop operations, temporary irrigation sites, farms expanding storage on a limited budget	92–97% (fully enclosed, zero evaporation/seepage when intact)	$1,000–$1,800	10–15 years	0.8–1.5%	Drip irrigation, micro-sprinklers, low-pressure sprinkler systems
Rooftop Direct-Feed (Surge Tank Only)	Small market gardens <2 acres, urban farms, high-tunnel operations with no long-term storage needs	80–88% (overflow loss during large rain events, minimal storage)	$200–$400	15–25 years	2–4% (filter cleaning, gutter maintenance)	Low-pressure drip irrigation, soaker hoses

ARCSA recommends sizing storage to hold 30-60 days of peak irrigation demand for high-value crops, and 14-30 days of demand for field crops, to balance upfront cost and water security. Systems sized to cover 100% of irrigation demand rarely deliver positive ROI, as oversized storage sits empty for 6+ months of the year in most growing regions.

Sizing Your RWH Irrigation System: Data-Driven Calculations to Avoid Under- or Over-Investment

Proper sizing is critical to maximizing ROI for RWH irrigation systems, as undersized systems fail to capture available rain or meet crop demand, while oversized systems tie up capital in unused storage capacity. The sizing process follows evidence-based formulas and on-farm data points to match harvest potential to crop water needs.

Core Sizing Formulas With Real-World Inputs

The foundational formula for calculating annual harvestable rainwater is standardized across the irrigation industry:

Annual Harvestable Rainwater (gallons) = Catchment Area (sq ft) x Annual Rainfall (inches) x 0.623 x Catchment Efficiency Coefficient

The 0.623 figure is a standard conversion factor representing the number of gallons of water that fall on 1 square foot of surface during 1 inch of rain. Catchment efficiency coefficients are based on surface material: 0.9-0.95 for metal roofs, 0.8-0.85 for asphalt shingles, 0.55-0.65 for compacted gravel roads, and 0.4-0.5 for field runoff. For example, a 10,000 square foot metal barn roof in central Ohio (40 inches annual rainfall, 0.92 efficiency for metal) yields 10,000 x 40 x 0.623 x 0.92 = 229,264 gallons of harvestable water per year.

Step-by-Step Sizing Process for Irrigation Applications

Irrigation industry experts recommend following five standardized steps to size a system for maximum ROI, aligned with USDA NRCS guidelines:

Step 1: Map available catchments. Measure square footage of all eligible catchment surfaces, and assign efficiency coefficients based on material, excluding surfaces with toxic coatings or high contamination risk.
Step 2: Model local rainfall patterns. Use 30-year average monthly rainfall data from NOAA to identify wet seasons when capture is possible, and dry summer months when irrigation demand is highest. Prioritize storage volume sufficient to hold wet-season capture for use during peak evapotranspiration (ET) periods.
Step 3: Calculate crop irrigation demand. Use USDA NRCS crop ET data to calculate peak daily water demand for your crop mix: high-value vegetables require 0.2-0.3 inches of water per day during peak growth, corn requires 0.25-0.35 inches per day during tasseling, and deficit-irrigated wine grapes require 0.1-0.15 inches per day. Adjust calculations for soil water-holding capacity and effective in-season rainfall.
Step 4: Right-size storage. Target storage volume sufficient to meet 40-60% of total seasonal irrigation demand, per 2023 University of Nebraska Extension research, as this range delivers the highest ROI across all crop types and climate zones.
Step 5: Size conveyance and distribution equipment. Size pipes, filters, and pumps to handle 120% of your maximum irrigation flow rate to avoid pressure drops or overflow during heavy rain events.

Cost-Share and Incentive Programs to Offset Upfront Costs

Upfront costs for agricultural RWH irrigation systems are often significantly reduced by state and federal conservation programs. The USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides 50-75% cost share for RWH projects, with higher rates for beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged producers, and operations in designated drought priority zones. In 2023, EQIP allocated $142 million in funding for agricultural RWH projects across 47 states, covering an average of 62% of total project costs for participating farms. Additional state-level incentives include California SGMA drought resilience grants covering up to 100% of RWH costs in critically overdrafted basins, Texas Water Development Board grants covering 50% of agricultural RWH costs, and Oklahoma tax credits covering 25% of system costs up to $25,000 per farm.

Real-World RWH Irrigation Case Studies: Measured ROI, Yield Impacts, and Lessons Learned

The performance data from operating RWH irrigation systems across U.S. growing regions demonstrates consistent, measurable returns for operations of all sizes. The three case studies below reflect real-world system design, costs, and outcomes documented by NRCS and state extension programs.

Case Study 1: 2-Acre Market Garden, Pittsboro, North Carolina

This 2-acre mixed vegetable operation sold produce to local restaurants and farmers markets, and previously relied on municipal water for drip irrigation, paying $4.20 per 1,000 gallons. In 2021, three mandatory municipal water restriction events cut irrigation access by 50% for 21 days during peak tomato and pepper ripening, leading to $12,400 in crop loss. In 2022, the farm installed a 10,000 gallon above-ground corrugated metal tank system connected to 4,000 square feet of high-tunnel metal roofs, with a 40-gallon first-flush diverter, 150-mesh automatic flush filter, and gravity feed to 8 zones of drip tape, for a total installed cost of $9,800. The farm received a 50% EQIP cost share, reducing out-of-pocket costs to $4,900.

In 2023, the system captured 172,000 gallons of rainwater (93% catchment efficiency, 46 inches annual rainfall), reducing municipal water use for irrigation by 78% and cutting annual water bills from $925 to $203. Low-TDS rainwater reduced drip emitter clogging events by 72%, cutting annual maintenance labor by 14 hours. 2023 crop yields were 18% higher than 2021 levels, with zero crop loss during a 3-week dry spell in June 2023 when water restrictions were reimplemented. The system paid back out-of-pocket costs in 10 months, with a 7-year projected ROI of $112,000 when factoring in avoided crop loss and reduced maintenance.

Case Study 2: 40-Acre Vineyard, Paso Robles, California

This 40-acre Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard in the Paso Robles AVA receives 15 inches of annual rainfall, and faced 30% groundwater allocation cuts under SGMA in 2021, with projected pumping cost increases of $110 per acre-foot due to aquifer decline. In 2022, the vineyard installed a 500,000 gallon below-ground concrete cistern system connected to 62,000 square feet of winery and equipment shed metal roofs, with a 620-gallon first-flush diverter, 80-mesh disc filtration, and a VFD booster pump plumbed directly to existing micro-sprinkler irrigation lines, for a total cost of $890,000. The vineyard received a 40% SGMA drought resilience grant, reducing out-of-pocket costs to $534,000.

In 2023, the system captured 527,000 gallons of rainwater, meeting 42% of the vineyard’s seasonal deficit irrigation demand and reducing groundwater pumping by 1.62 acre-feet per year. After two years of rainwater application, soil sodium levels in the top 12 inches of the root zone dropped by 38%, improving water infiltration and vine nutrient uptake, leading to a 12% increase in fruit quality scores that allowed the vineyard to sell grapes for a $220 per ton premium, adding $88,000 in annual revenue. Annual cost savings from reduced pumping and avoided fallowing penalties totaled $151,000, leading to a 3.5 year payback on out-of-pocket costs, with a 30-year projected ROI of $3.7 million.

Case Study 3: 1,200-Acre Corn-Soybean Operation, McLean County, Illinois

This 1,200 acre no-till corn-soybean operation irrigated 650 acres with four center pivots drawing from a shallow sand and gravel aquifer that had declined 12 feet between 2012 and 2022, increasing pumping energy costs by 35%. In 2022, the farm installed a 12 million gallon HDPE-lined farm pond RWH system that captures runoff from 80 acres of gravel access roads, 3 miles of tile drainage outlet flow, and 2.5 acres of grain bin and equipment shed roofs, with a solar-powered 50 HP pump feeding the center pivot intakes, for a total cost of $2.1 million. The farm received a 60% EQIP cost share through Inflation Reduction Act conservation funding, reducing out-of-pocket costs to $840,000.

In 2023, the system captured 19.7 million gallons of runoff and rainwater, meeting 54% of irrigation demand during the critical corn tasseling and soybean pod fill stages, reducing groundwater pumping by 1.8 million gallons and cutting irrigation energy costs by 41% due to the higher-elevation pond intake reducing pump head pressure by 32 feet. During the 2023 late-summer drought, corn yields on irrigated acres were 22 bushels per acre higher than neighboring farms relying solely on groundwater, and soybean yields were 7 bushels per acre higher, adding $184,000 in annual crop revenue. Combined annual cost savings and revenue gains totaled $231,000, leading to a 3.6 year payback on out-of-pocket costs, with a 40-year projected ROI of $8.2 million.

Best Practices to Maximize RWH Irrigation Performance and Longevity

Even well-designed RWH systems require regular, targeted maintenance to deliver long-term performance and protect connected irrigation equipment. The following industry-standard best practices reduce downtime, extend system lifespan, and maximize water capture efficiency.

Water Quality Management to Protect Irrigation Equipment and Crop Health

Inspect first-flush diverters before each forecasted rain event to ensure they are drained and operational, as clogged diverters allow contaminated first-flush water to enter storage.
Install lockable mesh covers on all tank inlets and pond overflow structures to keep debris, wildlife, and livestock out of stored water, reducing algae growth and contamination risk.
Test stored rainwater quarterly for E. coli, total coliform, and heavy metals if catchment surfaces are near livestock operations or treated structures, to maintain compliance with FSMA produce safety rules for edible crops. Install low-dose UV disinfection units if contamination levels exceed regulatory thresholds.
Avoid copper-based algaecides in storage, as copper can accumulate in soil and cause phytotoxicity in sensitive crops. Use food-grade hydrogen peroxide for algae control at a rate of 1/4 cup per 1,000 gallons of storage if needed.
Flush filter housings and inspect screen/disc elements every 2-4 weeks during the irrigation season, replacing damaged elements immediately to prevent emitter clogging.

Storage Maintenance to Extend System Lifespan

Drain and inspect above-ground tanks every 3-5 years to remove accumulated sediment from the tank bottom; inspect below-ground cisterns every 5-7 years for cracks or liner damage.
For lined farm ponds, remove sediment from inlet zones every 2-3 years to prevent capacity loss, and inspect HDPE liners annually for punctures from wildlife or equipment, repairing small tears with factory-approved patch kits to reduce seepage. In arid regions, install floating permeable pond covers to reduce evaporation losses by 70-80%, with a typical 2-4 year payback.
Size overflow pipes to handle 100-year storm events, directing overflow away from equipment foundations and toward riparian buffers or infiltration basins to prevent erosion.
For above-ground tanks in cold climates, install freeze-protection drain valves on exposed pipes to prevent burst damage during winter months, and keep tanks at least 25% full during high-wind events to prevent tip-over.

Smart Integration With Irrigation Controllers for Maximum Efficiency

Integrating RWH storage with smart, soil-moisture-based irrigation controllers can increase RWH utilization rates by 32%, according to 2024 University of California research. Controllers can be programmed to prioritize harvested rainwater first, switching to groundwater or surface water only when RWH storage is depleted, and to schedule irrigation events when storage is near full in advance of forecasted rain events to reduce overflow loss. Adding connected tank level sensors allows operators to monitor storage volume remotely, eliminating the need for manual inspections and reducing the risk of running pumps dry.

Common RWH Irrigation Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-intentioned RWH installations can underperform or fail to deliver projected ROI if designers and operators avoid critical best practices. The five most costly common mistakes, documented across 10 years of ARCSA post-installation audits, are:

Oversizing storage to chase 100% irrigation demand coverage: Farms that install storage 2-3x larger than needed see payback periods extended by 10+ years, as additional capacity delivers diminishing returns due to limited rainfall during peak summer irrigation months. University of Georgia 2023 research confirms that systems sized for 40-60% of seasonal demand deliver the highest ROI.
Skipping first-flush diverters to cut upfront costs: Operations that forgo first-flush diverters see 4x higher rates of drip emitter clogging, 2x more frequent filter changes, and 30% higher sediment buildup in storage over 5 years, leading to $1,200-$3,500 in annual avoidable maintenance costs for a typical 10-acre specialty crop operation.
Using incompatible catchment surfaces: Catchments with lead-based paint, creosote coatings, or chemical-treated shingles can leach toxic compounds that cause crop contamination and FSMA non-compliance, leading to costly market rejection of edible crops.
Undersizing conveyance and overflow systems: Undersized gutters, downspouts, and overflow pipes reduce harvest efficiency by 20-30% during heavy rain events, and can cause structural damage to tanks or pond berms during extreme storms.
Failing to account for evaporation losses in open pond systems: Uncovered ponds in arid regions can lose 3-5 feet of water per year to evaporation, reducing harvest efficiency by 30% or more if left uncovered.

The Future of RWH for Agricultural Irrigation: Technology and Policy Trends

RWH for irrigation is poised to become a mainstream irrigation practice over the next decade, driven by policy support, technological innovation, and growing water scarcity. The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act allocated $2.8 billion for agricultural water conservation programs, including $500 million specifically for agricultural RWH systems, which USDA projects will increase RWH adoption by 65% among U.S. farms by 2030. Unlike surface water and groundwater, which are subject to strict allocation limits in 49 U.S. states, harvested rainwater is classified as an off-channel water source exempt from most water rights restrictions, providing farms with long-term water security that is not vulnerable to regulatory cuts.

Technological advancements are also reducing costs and improving performance: IoT-enabled tank level sensors, predictive weather analytics, and AI-powered irrigation controllers automatically adjust irrigation schedules to maximize RWH use, while modular, prefabricated storage tanks have reduced installed RWH costs by 22% since 2018. Critically, RWH systems also provide secondary environmental benefits: 2023 EPA research found that agricultural RWH systems reduce edge-of-field nitrogen and phosphorus runoff by 28% on average, by capturing and reusing runoff that would otherwise carry fertilizer into streams and rivers, helping farms meet Clean Water Act TMDL requirements without additional nutrient management costs.

Is Rainwater Harvesting Right for Your Irrigation Operation?

For operations facing rising water costs, regulatory allocation cuts, drought risk, or high irrigation equipment maintenance costs from poor source water quality, RWH for irrigation delivers measurable ROI within 3-7 years on average, with benefits extending far beyond cost savings to improved crop yields, better soil health, and multi-decade operational resilience. Even small-scale systems, such as capturing rain from high-tunnel roofs to feed drip irrigation lines, can deliver immediate returns for small market gardeners, while large pond-based systems can secure water supplies for multi-thousand acre row crop operations for generations.

Farms exploring RWH are advised to start with a free site assessment through their local NRCS office or conservation district, which can map catchment potential, estimate irrigation demand, identify applicable cost-share programs, and connect producers with certified RWH system designers with specialized experience in agricultural irrigation integration. As water supplies become increasingly variable and regulated, RWH is no longer an optional conservation practice—it is a core investment in the long-term profitability and sustainability of any irrigated agricultural operation.