ABSTRACT
The recovery and reuse of irrigation water are generally associated with surface irrigated fields. When surface-irrigating fields with slope, water must be applied in excess to the needs of the crop in order to irrigate the entire field. As a result, excess water or tailwater collects at the lowest point in the field. The water may percolate into the soil profile or flow as surface drainage away from the field. Either way, the water through the force of gravity can eventually return to a nearby stream or lake. This process is referred to as return flow because water is returned to a surface source to be used again. A tailwater recovery and reuse system can also be used as a way to collect surface water runoff from a field. The reuse system consists of drainage channels to divert water to another site or to a reservoir for storing the water. Many systems will also include pumps and pipelines for delivering water to a new site for distribution and trash screens to remove unwanted debris. The recovery and reuse of tailwater from a surface irrigated field can increase surface irrigation efficiency by approximately 20%.
