Terminology for Describing Irrigation Conveyance Systems

Abstract

A terminology for describing irrigation conveyance systems is presented. It is modeled after one introduced by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (1978), and Bos (1979) and (1985); however, this work was significantly modified to provide a greater degree of comprehensiveness and to remove ambiguity. The terminology presented is based on a classification of irrigation conveyance subsystems identified by their relationship to the irrigation water demands they are intended to satisfy. The terminology ignores the management/ownership characterstics of conveyance systems and their relationship to water supply. These conveyance system attributes, as well as methods with which to identify and provide names for different segments of irrigation conveyance systems, are discussed in terms of the additional descriptive information function they provide. The terminology developed permits a concise relevant discussion of irrigation conveyance system design and operations.