Surface waters

Irrigation canal Photo: L Schwankl

Surface water sources can be a microirrigation emitter clogging hazard due to particulate matter and/or organic matter in the water. Particulate matter can appear in both surface water and groundwater but organic material clogging of emitters is most often associated with surface waters.

For more information on Assessing Water Quality and Taking a Water Sample, click here.

Particulate matter includes mineral particles such as sand, silt, and clay along with any other trash or other materials floating or suspended in the water. Click here for more information on particulate matter clogging and mitigation of particulate clogging problems.

Biological matter include bacterial slimes, algae, and other organic materials. Click here for more information on biological matter clogging and mitigation of biological matter clogging problems.