WATER DUTY

The total volume of irrigation water required to mature a particular type of crop. In stating the duty, the crop, and usually the location of the land in question, as well as the type of soil, should be specified. It also includes consumptive use, evaporation and seepage from on-farm ditches and canals, and the water that is eventually returned to streams by percolation and surface runoff. Also see Alpine Decree (California and Nevada), Orr Ditch Decree (California and Nevada), Bench Lands (Nevada), and Bottom Lands (Nevada), for additional information and examples of specific water duties.