Water savings,Irrigation Distribution Systems
Abstract
In recent years, the demand for water for irrigation, environmental, urban and other purposes has been increasing with available water resources falling short of potential usage. In response to the need for more water, a study was commissioned to investigate reductions in water losses from the distribution systems in the Northern Victorian irrigation areas served by the Murray, Goulburn and Loddon Rivers. Importantly, the study put into context the extent of likely water savings possible through improvements in water delivery efficiency. The study focussed on the irrigation distribution systems from the system offtakes to the farm outlets. It identified means of improving water delivery efficiency, quantified the costs and identified the potential benefits that would flow from achieving optimum water delivery efficiencies, and thus the effectiveness of any investment in achieving water savings.