Biological Clogging Problems

Drained reservoir used for settling iron from groundwater source. Photo: L. Schwankl

Biological clogging problems associated with groundwaters are substantially less common than those associated with surface waters.

It is not uncommon for a microirrigation system to become biologically contaminated with bacterial slimes or other organisms. These biological contaminants can grow in the pipelines and drip lines, even under conditions that allow little to no light. Bits of organic material can break off and contribute to the clogging of emitters.

The treatment for this biological contamination problem is to inject a biocide (chlorine or copper) into the microirrigation system. While it is unlikely that this will eliminate the biological contamination, the problem should be easy to control with only periodic (monthly or less frequent) biocide treatments.

Groundwaters that contain iron can also contribute to iron bacteria clogging problems.