Tailwater Wastes Water and Money

 
Most agricultural producers on the Texas High Plains wouldn't dream of throwing their money away in a roadside ditch. Figuratively, they are doing just that when they allow irrigation tailwater to escape from their farms. In addition to wasting water, they are wasting energy.

Even though tailwater waste occurs less often than in the past, the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1 in Lubbock encourages agricultural producers to be aware of the problem and work to prevent it.

High Plains Water District rules and state law define tailwater waste as "ground water pumped for irrigation that escapes off the property and into any river, creek, natural watercourse, depression, lake, reservoir, drain, sewer, highway, road or ditch, or onto land other than the owner of the well."

As long as water stays on the property where it was originally pumped, the landowner is not in violation of Texas state law or the rules of the water district.

Water sprayed onto county roads from the end gun of a center pivot or side row irrigation system is also considered tailwater waste. Landowners and operators may be liable for any accidents caused as a result of this water waste.

"With increased use of center pivot and drip irrigation systems, tailwater waste is much less than it was 50 years ago. Some problems still occur when producers irrigate the corners of a field with the end gun of a center pivot irrigation system or with gated pipe," said Arnold Husky, Water Use Division Director. Farmers can prevent irrigation water from running off the property by building strong borders at the end of their fields.

In the 2002 irrigation season, field technicians investigated a total of 63 tailwater complaints within the water district's 15-county service area.

"Farmers within the water district realize the importance of stopping irrigation tailwater waste," Husky said. "They improved their irrigation practices to slow tailwater. Also, they don't hesitate to notify us when they see water waste."

Husky said most tailwater reports are received through telephone calls to the water district office or through the water district website, although district field technicians often find tailwater incidents during their daily work. If tailwater is reported, water district field technicians investigate the complaint, take pictures, and document the violation. The landowner is then notified by letter and is asked to correct the problem. If the violation habitually continues, the water district has the authority to go to district court and seek an injunction against the landowner.

"This is truly a last resort. The High Plains Water District has a 'neighbor helping neighbor' philosophy. We prefer to work with the landowner or operator to help them solve their tailwater waste problem, rather than seek legal action," Husky said.

For more information on how to stop irrigation tailwater waste, contact Arnold Husky at the High Plains Water District at (806) 762-0181 or e-mail him at ahusky@hpwd.com. More information is also available on the water district's website at www.hpwd.com