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<br />Step 3-Collect and Reuse/Recycle Irrigation Water <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />12. Many greenhouse operations across the country have already adopted capture and recycling systems. <br />Whether voluntary or mandated, these capture systems have environmental and monetary benefits. <br />While some greenhouses have made the switch due to irrigation cost savings, others have adopted these <br />systems to ensure adequate supply of sufficiently high quality water during production. In Colorado, it is <br />important to consider water rights constraints when adopting these systems. <br /> <br />13. Implementation of a new system means there will be an inevitable learning curve. Potential problems <br />that may occur with recycled water systems can be easily avoided with careful planning and some <br />monetary investment. <br /> <br />14. A common method of collection and reuse of water is the installation of retention basins, storage ponds, <br />storage tanks and additional pumping capacity. Concerns related to these systems include build-up of <br />salts, chemicals and nutrients, and changes in pH that can adversely impact crop quality. To mitigate <br />these concerns, it is important to monitor and test irrigation water at least three times per year for salts, <br />chemicals, nutrients and pH. Fertilizer application should be based on the results of these tests. If <br />buildup of salts in recycled water becomes a problem, the water should be diluted with fresh water. <br />Many growers use water treated through a process known as reverse osmosis (RO) to remove potentially <br />harmful salts. The systems are relatively expensive but work well as a source of water for back blending. <br /> <br />15. Other concerns with recycled water systems include waterborne pathogens such as Pythium sp. that may <br />be present in recycled water at relatively high concentrations and that ultimately cause root rot. <br />Unfortunately, there are no scientifically derived thresholds for levels of pathogens in irrigation water. <br />Growers can pro actively address waterbollle pathogens such as Pythium by implementing these <br />practices: <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />· Increase the frequency of scouting for signs of disease. <br /> <br />· Remove diseased plants from the system quickly. <br /> <br />· Monitor pathogen levels in irrigation water. Water can be sampled at different points to determine <br />pathogen presence and levels. <br /> <br />· Treat water for disease organisms by retention and dilution, filtration, chlorination, ozonation, and/or <br />UV light. <br /> <br />16. Costs associated with installation of holding ponds, tanks, pumps, and possible treatment systems <br />eventually pay for themselves. Phasing installation of these capture systems helps spread capital outlay <br />over a number of years. <br /> <br />Kev References <br />Aldrich, R. A. and J. W. Bartok, Jr. 1994. Greenhouse Engineering. Natural Resource, Agriculture, and <br />Engineering Service. NRAES-33 <br /> <br />vonBroembsen, S. L. and M. Schnelle. 2002. "Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Nurseries to Protect <br />Water Quality," in E-951, Water Quality Handbookfor Nurseries, Oklahoma State University Cooperative <br />Extension Service. http://www.okstate.edu/OSU Ag/agedcm4hJpearVe951/index.html. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Colorado Water Conservation Board <br />Flood Protection. Water Supply Planning and Financing. Stream and Lake Protection <br />Water Supply Protection. Conservation and Drought Planning <br />