Availability analysis of irrigation systems for improved management

Bryan Thoreson, Donald C. Slack, David J. Molden

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Availability of an irrigation system is defined as the ratio of time of successful system operation to total desired operation time. Operation is successful when the flow rate of water supplied exceeds a given percentage of the lesser of crop water requirements or design flow rate. Thus, availability provides adequacy and dependability information. Furthermore, this ratio can be decomposed into unavailabilities indicating the percentage of time low flow was caused by various problems. This is valuable information for improving water delivery performance. Over 12 seasons availability varied from 0.0 to 0.90 in two Nepal irrigation systems. Canal capacity less than crop water requirements was the greatest reason for unavailability during the monsoon season. Lack of water in the source was the greatest reason during other seasons.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationManagement of Irrigation and Drainage Systems
Subtitle of host publicationIntegrated Perspectives
PublisherPubl by ASCE
Pages1154-1161
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)0872629198
StatePublished - 1993
EventManagement of Irrigation and Drainage Systems : Integrated Perspectives - Park City, UT, USA
Duration: Jul 21 1993Jul 23 1993

Publication series

NameManagement of Irrigation and Drainage Systems : Integrated Perspectives

Other

OtherManagement of Irrigation and Drainage Systems : Integrated Perspectives
CityPark City, UT, USA
Period7/21/937/23/93

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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