Clean Water:

Irrigation Sources and Methods

Seal wellheads to help keep clean water clean. Wellheads should be located upslope from sewage or drainage runoff. They should also be well evevated off othe ground.

Identify the source of origin of irrigation water so that possible sources of contamination can be identified.

Municipal drinking water must meet federal and local drinking water standards so it is typically the lowest-risk source.

Potable well water is a low-risk source, if the well casing is maintained and livestock are excluded from the recharge area. Preventing contamination from entering a system is easier and safer than trying to remove it.

Surface water is a medium-to-high-risk source, depending on the irrigation method and exposure of the surface water to contamination.

Application methods for watering systems determine the amount of time that the edible portion of crops is in contact with possible microbial contamination.


Where feasible, use drip irrigation to reduce crop wetting and minimize risk of microbial contamination from water sources.
If using overhead irrigation, apply early in the day so leaves dry quickly.