Tailwater return systems are gaining in popularity on farms This
article appeared in Ag Alert on February 25, 2004 By Eric
McMullin, Special to Ag Alert Tailwater return systems are
making a comeback It's long been known that the systems can
improve irrigation efficiency, conserve water and lead to a
better growing environment for crops. But with new water
regulations coming, it's an often-overlooked benefit-water
quality-that has caught people's interest. "A tailwater return
system can keep contaminants from going downstream," explains
Larry Schwankl, statewide irrigation specialist at Land, Air,
and Water Resources at the University of California, Davis.
Those contaminants can be synthetic-fertilizers and pesticides-
or they can be natural-salts and sediment. Either way, it's
expected that the new regulations are going to be much more
strict about the quality of the water leaving California farms.
"I don't think the new regulations will require a tailwater
return system," says Schwankl. "I think they will ta