Introduction

The Yolo-Colusa County Mobile Water Lab is a free service offered by the Resource Conservation District. Services include irrigation efficiency evaluations, optional water quality testing, soil surveys, and recommendations on irrigation management and runoff water quality issues.

Why should growers be interested  in the Mobile  Water Lab?
In our first year of evaluations in 2004, we found that many growers had problems with application uniformity and volume. Our goal is to give landowners and managers information that will contribute to more efficient water use & improved runoff quality.  This is important given the fluctuating costs of both electricity and water. Also, the Ag Waiver has triggered an increased interest in runoff water quality.


The Mobile Lab provides:

• Analysis of the system distribution uniformity
  

• Determination of application rates
  

• Qualitative observations of clogging & emitter wear
  

• System map of pressure and flow measurements

• Suggestions for system improvements & maintenance

• Irrigation scheduling assistance

• Water quality sampling (laboratory analysis will require a fee)
  

The Mobile Lab’s staff and equipment are located in the Yolo County RCD Field office at the USDA Woodland Service Center. Along with the Lab Manager and Technician, the Mobile Lab also has access to additional RCD, NRCS and Water District staff and resources.

Mark Lane manages the Mobile Water Lab & the  Ag Water Quality Support Program at the Yolo Co. RCD.

The Mobile Water Lab is a free service made possible by funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the California Dept. of Water Resources Office of Water Use Efficiency and Transfers,  and NRCS.

The Mobile Lab is currently taking appointments for the 2008 irrigation season.  For a  program brochure click here.

This free analysis can help growers save money, conserve water, and use less electricity and fuel. The number of evaluations per season is limited, so growers are encouraged to call to schedule an appointment for a free irrigation evaluation as soon as possible.  Those interested can contact Mark Lane  at (530) 662-2037 ext. 120.