Irrigation water not only has a direct impact on plants, but it effects the soil, the plants grown in that soil, and the irrigation equipment.

Common problems in the chemical composition of irrigation water include iron, hardness, salinity and corrosiveness. Waterborne pathogens present in irrigation water may also result in contamination of fresh produce. Sources include rivers, lakes, reservoirs, dams and wells. Knowing the quality of your water in terms of chemical and microbiological analysis aids you in implementing water treatment procedures and avoiding problems down the line due to poor water quality.

Why is water testing important in Agriculture? Once the source of water is identified, water to be used for irrigation should be tested by a reputable laboratory to determine the quality of the water to be used for irrigation, to aid in the choice of fertilizers for optimum plant growth, and to minimize the risk of discharging pollutants to surface or ground water.