Surface Irrigation Construction-Today and Future

The Bureau of Reclamation has provided irrigation water to western family farms for almost three-quarters of a century. This paper presents the details of providing water to the farm by discussing the major features of two large irrigation projects. On-farm problems and considerations involved with land preparation and alternative water delivery systems are discussed with emphasis on surface irrigation. The current position of surface irrigation in the United States is explored and predictions concerning irrigation's future are considered briefly.