Irrigation water quality
Do you know the quality of your domestic, irrigation, and livestock water supply? The CSU Soil, Water, and Plant Testing Lab can test your water. Components of water which can affect your crops and plants are pH, salt, sodium, nitrogen, boron, sulfate, and chloride. Refer to the CSU factsheet, Irrigation Water Quality Criteria for more information.
Resources for irrigation systems
If you already have irrigation in your property but would like to upgrade to a more efficient system, or would like to learn about water efficiency, these are some resources available for you:
- CDA Colorado Master Irrigator (CMI): This is a program for agricultural producers to learn new tools and strategies to help sustain or preserve the Ogallala aquifer in ways that are profitable for their operations. The Colorado Water Conservation Board, along with other Federal, state, and local partners, are supporting the CMI program through a Colorado Water Plan Grant. This program encourages voluntary water conservation and efficiency using an interactive class format and peer-to-peer exchange. Graduates of the CMI program are also eligible for special discounts on irrigation equipment as well as special cost-share funding opportunities.
- Water Project Loan Program: The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) provides low-interest loans for the design and construction of agricultural, municipal and hydro projects in Colorado. A minimum loan request of $100,000 is recommended. Projects financed by the Water Project Loan Program must align with the goals identified in Colorado’s Water Plan and its measurable objectives.
- Contact your local NRCS office to get assistance. The NRCS can help you assess the natural resource concerns in your land and help you create a plan to mitigate them. This service if free of charge and can help you create a conservation plan that preserves your natural resources, including water. The NRCS also provides incentives to implement those plans and can help you design an irrigation efficiency plan for your property.