Irrigation‐Induced Contamination: How Real a Problem?

Abstract

The U.S. Department of the Interior has embarked on a series of reconnaissance‐level investigations throughout the western states to identify, evaluate, and respond to irrigation‐induced water quality problems. A series of water, sediment, and biological samples are being analyzed for 17 inorganic constituents and a number of pesticides. 19 studies in 13 states have been undertaken. Seven have been completed to date. Results of the seven studies that have been completed are presented and compared to baselines, standards, criteria, and other guidelines helpful for assessing the potential of observed constituent concentrations in water, bottom sediment, and biota, to result in physiological harm to fish, wildlife, or humans. These initial results indicate that a new environmental problem of major proportions does not exist, but that some localized problems of significant magnitude do exist and should be addressed.