Abstract
Transpiration of water by plants and evaporation from the soil surface dissipate a large part of the irrigation water that is applied to the soil. Seldom is the volume of drainage water returned to the stream more than half the volume of irrigation water that is diverted. This consumptive use of water and the necessity for maintaining a favorable salt balance in the soil causes the drainage water to become higher in salt concentration than the irrigation water. The return of this salty drainage water to the stream can cause pollution problems. The determining factor is the relationship between the quantity of water in the stream and the quantity of drainage water added. If the dilution is great, as in the Colorado River, little pollution will result. But if the drainage water is not diluted sufficiently, pollution will follow, as in the Rio Grande. The obvious effect of irrigation on stream pollution is an increase in the concentration of dissolved solids. In the Rio Grande the increase is related inversely to the discharge.
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