The Irrigation Association (IA), a membership organization for irrigation companies and professionals announces its support of water-use efficiency of pressurized irrigation.

The Irrigation Association (IA) recently submitted a letter to the editor of the New York Times supporting the water-use efficiency of pressurized irrigation.

In the letter, Executive Director Deborah Hamlin notes that pressurized irrigation "can be done very efficiently, thus reducing water waste exponentially, while increasing yields with the same amount (or less) of water used."

Hamlin also disputes a claim made in a recent story ("Wells Dry, Fertile Plants Turn to Dust," May 20) that referred to a center pivot irrigation system as a "water waster." She references Irrigation, Sixth Edition, where it states that center pivot irrigation efficiency can range from more than 85 percent with spray nozzles nine feet above the surface to more than 95 percent with spray nozzles two feet above the surface through center pivot irrigation.

In addition, according to USDA's Economic Research Service, the U.S. water application rate in irrigated agriculture declined by 20 percent (five inches per acre) between 1969 and 2003. Taking these facts into consideration efficiently designed and managed center pivots save water, rather than waste water, as suggested in the article.

"Center pivot and drip/microirrigation perform very efficiently if designed and managed properly," said John Farner, IA government affairs director. "The economic and environmental benefits, including the production of a safe and reliable food supply for our nation, of efficient irrigation need to be part of any discussion relating to the long-term sustainability of our nation's water resources."

Hamlin concludes the letter by stating the IA's appreciation of the New York Times for its continued focus on water-use in U.S. agriculture, noting that public awareness of where our food comes from and the value of irrigated agriculture are essential.

For more information about the IA, please visit irrigation.org.

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