Irrigated agriculture is the largest use of water in Arizona, using about 73% of the available water supply.  In the past, this percentage was as high as 90%; reductions have been the result of both urbanization of agricultural lands and heavy investment by the irrigated agriculture industry in conservation measures both on-farm and in delivery systems.

These investments and practices help growers stretch water supplies, increase productivity and profits, manage situations of water supply scarcity, reduce energy costs and meet the conservation requirements of Arizona's 1980 Groundwater Code. 

Below are some of the irrigation systems and management practices that result in the efficient use of agricultural irrigation water. Scroll down to the Resources for the Agriculture Sector section for a list of agencies and organizations that provide information and assistance to Arizona farmers and ranchers.

Lining conveyance channels with concrete:

• Significantly reduces seepage losses
• Prevents water logging of surrounding land
• Maintains water quality
• Reduces erosion

Level basin irrigation systems are small field units (5-10 acres) comprised of level, closed basins. Level basins:

• Improve uniform application of irrigation water
• Eliminate losses caused by tail water run off
• Minimize percolation of water past the crop root zone
• Minimize erosion

The efficient use of irrigation sprinklers to meet the water demands of a crop:

• Improves distribution uniformity of irrigation water
• Prevents excessive runoff and percolation of water past the crop root zone
• Increases efficiency of fertilizer applications
• Minimizes erosion

Drip irrigation systems use many low volume, low pressure water emitters to deliver water to a precise location.  The use of above- or below-ground drip irrigation systems to meet the water demands of a crop:

• Improves distribution uniformity of irrigation water
• Minimizes percolation of water past the crop root zone
• Helps maintain soil nutrients within the crop root zone
• Reduces erosion
• Reduces water loss due to soil evaporation

Tailwater is water that did not percolate into the soil before reaching the end of the field during an irrigation run.  Collecting irrigation water that leaves its original targeted location and reusing it:

• Increases irrigation efficiency
• Reduces water loss
• Maintains water quality
• Reduces erosion

Planting different crops in recurring succession in the same field:

• Increases water holding capacity of the soil
• Increases irrigation water infiltration rates
• Improves crop quality and yield by increasing nutrients and organic matter
• Reduces soil erosion
• Improves water quality

Manipulating the shape and surface condition of the plant beds and the furrows between the beds:

• Provides for more consistent irrigation runs for furrows
• Increases irrigation efficiency
• Reduces runoff and percolation of water past the crop root zone
• Promotes favorable physical soil conditions
• Improves crop quality and yield
• Reduces soil erosion

The feel and appearance of soil help growers assess its water holding capacity.

ADWR

Arizona’s Groundwater Management Act requires regulation of agricultural irrigation water users within five active management areas (AMAs). A base regulation program assigns irrigation water allotments that convey the right to continue using a volume of irrigation water related to usage between 1975 and 1979. In 2005, an innovative Best Management Practices (BMP) Program was created as a voluntary alternative to the Base Program. The BMP program is described in the 2005 Modifications to Chapter 4 of the Third Management Plan, May 2003. 

Agri-Business Council of Arizona (ABC)

The ABC is a trade association whose membership represents the entire agricultural community. It serves as the State’s Reclamation representative to the National Water Resources Association. ABC’s purpose is to ensure the vitality and sustainable profitability of the agriculture industry; and to further ensure that it remains a strong contributor to the overall diversified economic health of Arizona.

Arizona Association of Conservation Districts (AACD)

The AACD is made up of local citizens who work to provide leadership in natural resource conservation to the people of Arizona. The mission of Arizona's Conservation Districts is to identify natural resource problems and opportunities and formulate working plans to address them. AACD enhances this mission by providing leadership, which represents the issues and concerns of local people. AACD provides a mechanism for conservation districts work cohesively in addressing issues at the state level and above.

Arizona Department of Agriculture

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is a cabinet-level statewide agency that regulates and supports Arizona agriculture in a manner that encourages farming, ranching, and agribusiness while protecting consumers and natural resources.  It consists of three main divisions:  Animal Services, Environmental Services, and Plant Services; and includes a State Agricultural Laboratory; a Citrus, Fruit and Vegetable Standardization and Fresh Produce Grade Inspection program; and an Agricultural Consultation and Training program.

ASU - Morrison School of Management & Agribusiness

Students in the Morrison School of Management and Agribusiness learn the business of agricultural production, finance, marketing and distribution. Through technology-rich curriculum that focuses on real-world projects, students explore global agribusiness issues such as international trade, food safety and security, and sustainability.

Family Farm Alliance

The Family Farm Alliance is an advocate for family farmers, ranchers, irrigation districts, and allied industries in seventeen Western states. The Alliance is focused on one mission: to ensure the availability of reliable, affordable irrigation water supplies to Western farmers and ranchers.

Maricopa Agriculture Center (MAC)

Maricopa Agricultural Center has a goal to develop, deliver and service the best integrated agricultural technologies for all problems faced by Arizona consumers and producers. Research focuses on cotton, small grains, alfalfa, and new specialty crops that could be used to provide fibers, oils, and pharmaceuticals. The Center also supports extension outreach programs, such as Ag-Ventures, various University classes, and Ag-Literacy for all age groups.

National Water Resources Association (NWRA)

The National Water Resources Association is a nonprofit federation of state organizations whose membership includes rural water districts, municipal water entities, commercial companies and individuals. The Association is concerned with the appropriate management, conservation, and use of water and land resources on a national scope. NWRA works to balance the needs of people and the environment.

UA - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences educates students for a wide range of career opportunities in agriculture, natural resources, and in family and consumer sciences. The various curricula offer professional preparation for careers in agribusiness, government, public service agencies, retail and service industries, human health institutions, the food service and processing industry, financial institutions, youth development agencies, conservation and environmental organizations, farming, ranching, research, extension, communication and education.

US Bureau of Reclamation Lower Colorado Region

The Bureau of Reclamation's Lower Colorado Region serves as the "water master" for the last 688 miles of the Colorado River within the United States on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior. It manages the Colorado River and its reservoirs to meet water and power delivery obligations, protect endangered species and native habitat, enhance outdoor recreation opportunities, and provide flood control.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

The NRCS has helped the people of Arizona conserve valuable natural resources. It provides services to all private landowners who are interested in restoring and enhancing Arizona’s landscape through a unique partnership with landowners, conservation districts, state and local governments, American Indian Nations, and rural and urban citizens. Arizona NRCS is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), with offices located in USDA Service Centers and other sites throughout Arizona.

Western Growers Association

Western Growers is dedicated to improving the competitiveness and profitability of more than three thousand members from the farmlands of California and Arizona. Being the nation’s leading agricultural trade association, it is Western Growers vision to guide members toward a healthy, sustainable and profitable future by offering quality services and programs that complement their businesses.