Recycling Drainage Water in San Joaquin Valley, California

Abstract

The disposal of saline drainage wastewater in agricultural fields, mainly in arid and semiarid regions, is a problem that has plagued farmers, researchers, and decision‐makers. The problem has received increased attention not only because of saline wastewater, but also due to the environmental damage caused by the elevated concentration of some trace elements. A conceptual framework for on‐farm recycling of the saline wastewater is proposed as a means to diminish environmental damage and to reuse water efficiently. The support decision‐making model is based on data collected in the San Joaquin Valley, California, and is intended to predict the water flow rates of the various system components towards reuse. The model assumes that agricultural practices of surface water application will not change soon, and that drains have been installed in the fields. According to the case study, the cost of on‐farm reuse of saline wastewater is in the range of $0.07–$0.26 per m