Toms Presentation

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4th National Conference on Science and the
Environment Water for a Sustainable and Secure
Future Irrigation and Agriculture Session Adam
Skolnik, President Senninger Irrigation Inc.
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Water Quantity, Water Quality, Energy
Environmental Concerns

• Southeast (FL, GA, AL, SC, NC)
• Consumptive use permits required
• Backflow prevention required
• Metering required
• Audits required on a periodic basis
• Drought condition restrictions
• Water sharing agreements

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Water Quantity, Water Quality, Energy
Environmental Concerns

• Texas
• 3rd largest irrigated state (1974 8.6m acres vs.
  2003 6.4 acres)
• Agriculture uses 65 of states water, 80 from
  ground water.
• 30 of is irrigated produces 60 of crops
• Leader in efficient systems, LEPA-LESA mechanized
  drip on commodity crops
• Over pumping of major aquifers experiencing
  declining levels.

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Fresh Water in the United States
Agriculture 79.6
Industry Power 8.5
Domestic 4.3
Livestock 3.2
Landscape 2.9
Golf 1.5
Pie chart represents 100 of fresh water
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Irrigation Traditional vs. Modern
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Ag Application Water-use Efficiencies
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Center Pivot
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Low-Mid Elevation Sprinkler Application LESA or
MESA
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Low Energy Precision Application LEPA
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Drip Applications
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Drip Applications Subsurface Drip Irrigation
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Water Quantity, Water Quality, Energy
Environmental Concerns

• Water laws example right to capture in TX
• Net transfer from ag to municipal industrial
  use
• Effect on rural economy and food fiber
  production costs will increase
• Water conservation and efficiency clarification
• Hydrologist only lost to evaporation and
  people/plant use
• Industry utility purpose/value when clean and
  accessible

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Water Quantity, Water Quality, Energy
Environmental Recommendations

• Modern technologies
• Application equipment tools
• Management trumps equipment
• Education
• Management Equipment
• Research on impact of transfer from ag to
  consumer
• Partnerships with other groups or stakeholders
• Legislation
• Awareness of current laws regulations

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Questions? Thank You!