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II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I , , ~-,~cry~~ u~:_.JJ 7. Application efficiencies for High Plains irrigation are typi- cally low, despite significant improvements in facilities and practices. Typical surface (gravity) irrigation systems (furrows or borders) average only 50-55 percent efficiencies (AE), with a range of 30 to 75 percent. Good runoff recovery practices and low coefficients of uniformity (good system design) can increase surface systems to 80-85 percent efficiency levels. Available technology in surface system design, management and scheduling can improve applica- tion efficiencies to 90 percent levels, making them competitive in AE to any other system. Sprinkler irrigation application efficien- cies in the High Plains average about 65-70 percent, with a range from 50 to 90. Good system design, management and sCheduling can improve typical application efficiencies to 85 to 90 percent. Some relatively new low-head center pivot systems are achieving 90-95% application efficiencies. Trickle (drip or bubbler) systems can approach 100 percent application efficiencies if designed and operated properly. 8. Pump efficiencies - a measure of the energy used per unit of pumped water (acre-inch, acre-foot, etc.) per unit of dynamic pumping head. A pump, designed properly to the well, should be 75-80 per- cent efficient. Although not a water conservation measure, improved pumping plant efficiencies have significant potential for energy conservation and better cost management. Efficient pump and well operations may contribute significantly to the irrigator's ability to apply water at the proper time and in sufficient quan- tities for good WUE. 9. Well efficiencies - measured in terms of specific capacity of the well, or the yield of water per unit of drawdown (GPM/Foot of Drawdown). 10. Sprinkler (nozzle) efficiencies - a measure of the relative unifor- mity of distribution and designed rate of application for each size and type of nozzle. ix