Predicting clogging problems

"What should I watch for?"

Water Source

Sand media filters for an almond orchard Photo: Jack Kelly Clark

A water quality analysis can often predict the emitter clogging hazard. This can be especially useful if a microirrigation system is new or even in the planning stages. If there is an indication that emitter clogging is likely, system design changes or maintenance procedures can be implemented to mitigate the problem.

Follow the links below depending on whether your microirrigation systems’ water is from surface water or from groundwater.

Open ditch canal - a surface water source Photo: L. Schwankl

Surface water sources are: (1) waters from a creek, river, pond, or reservoir, or (2) waters that have been stored in a pond. Even if the water was originally from a well (e.g. groundwater pumped into a reservoir for storage), if it has been stored in a pond or reservoir you should categorize it as a surface water source.

Groundwater pump with sand separator Photo: L. Schwankl

Groundwater sources are those that are pumped from a well and delivered directly to the microirrigation system by pipeline.