EFFICIENCY

(Irrigation) A measure of a distribution system's ability to transport and apply water to a desired effect with a minimum of effort, expense, or waste. With respect to irrigation project efficiency, the following terms generally apply: (1) Canal Efficiency: The volume of water diverted into a canal system versus total water available for farm headgate deliveries; (2) Irrigation Efficiency: The percentage of water applied that can be accounted for in soil moisture increase; and (3) Farm Efficiency: The amount of water actually required for growing a crop compared to the amount of irrigation water that is diverted at the farm headgate.