Have questions about your irrigation equipment?
The SVWID offers technical assistance to help you assess the status of any existing irrigation equipment (irrigation screens, meters, and pumps), and will provide resources and recommendations on how to upgrade your irrigation equipment to meet both your needs and the current Best Management Practices.
Financial assistance may be available for upgrading your irrigation screen. Contact us to learn more.
Ways to meet current BMPs:
- Upgrade Irrigation Screens. Upgrade your existing irrigation screen(s) to a state and federally “approved” screen designed for the protection of fish and properly sized for your water use. Approved screens minimize impacts to Endangered Species Act listed salmon and provide more consistent flow.
- Add an in-line Water Meter. Increase efficiency by integrating a water meter into your irrigation system to self monitor gallons per minute (GPM) of water use and track total use per season.
- Assess your Pump. Reduce energy consumption and improve pumping efficiency by sizing your pump to meet your water needs.
If you are a Snoqualmie Valley irrigator, contact the SVWID at info@svwid.com or 425-549-0316 for more information and to set up a free irrigation BMP consultation to talk about your existing irrigation equipment and options for equipment upgrades to meet some, or all, of the current BMPs.
If you want to learn more about irrigation screens, meters, and pumps before you contact us, click on each of the tabs to the right.
What are they?
Irrigation screens are devices installed at surface water intakes to block fish and debris from getting sucked up into irrigation lines.
I already have a screen, how do I know if I need to upgrade to an “approved” irrigation screen?
We are here to help determine if you need to upgrade your screen! Screens that need upgrading often are degraded or damaged, have oversized screen holes, or areas of strong suction. All of these can:
- Injure or kill fish.
- Allow debris to build up.
- Interfere with your ability to pump water with consistent flow.
What if I don't have a screen?
We will help by providing an “approved” screen recommendation based on your water use and needs.
Will I be penalized for not having a screen or for having an outdated screen?
No, this is not a regulatory program. Our goal is to help you get into compliance with current irrigation screening BMPs and upgrade to “approved” screening equipment.
There are no fish in the waterbody I irrigate from, do I still need an "approved" screen?
You might. Surprisingly, fish have been documented in many of the agricultural ditches in the Snoqualmie Valley, so there may be fish in the waterbody you pump from. Contact the SVWID to set up a consultation to determine fish presence and what screening equipment is recommended.
What are some examples of "approved" screen manufacturers?
Pump Rite Screens – http://www.pump-rite.com/
Clemons Screens – https://www.clemonssales.net/products/screens/
Zinvent Screens – https://zinvent.com/
Resources for additional information
What does a water meter do?
When integrated into your irrigation set up, a water meter can help you self-monitor the instant flow rate as well as your total water use over the course of an irrigation season when you’re pumping water.
Why would I want to track my water use?
Being able to monitor your instant flow rate and total water use over time can help you to achieve desired goals such as:
- water conservation
- irrigation efficiency
- energy efficiency
Which in turn will reduce costs while maintaining or improving crop yields.
Will the water meter collect and store my water use data?
Most water meters do not record and store instant flow data. This data is only visible when the the water meter is in use during pumping operations and will disappear once pumping ceases. The total water use is the only data that will remain visible on the screen of the meter after pumping operations have ceased.
How do I pick out a water meter that will work with my existing equipment?
We can help you pick out the right meter for your existing irrigation set-up. Meters should be sized to meet your instant flow rate, and sized to fit “in-line” in your irrigation system.
What are some examples of recommended water meters?
For small-scale water use: Seametrics – WMP Series Plastic Bodied Magmeter
For larger-scale water use: Seametrics – AG3000 Battery Powered Flanged In-line Magmeter
Watch and learn how to properly install, operate, and maintain your Seametrics WMP Plastic Magmeter below.