Impacts of Irrigation and Drought on Illinois Ground-Water Resources

Bowman, Jean A.; Collins, Mark A.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/77884 Copy

Description

Title

Impacts of Irrigation and Drought on Illinois Ground-Water Resources

Author(s)

• Bowman, Jean A.
• Collins, Mark A.

Issue Date

1987

Keyword(s)

• Drought
• geographic information system
• ground-water management
• Illinois
• irrigation
• water budget modeling

Abstract

Effects of irrigation and drought on Illinois ground-water resources are examined. Irrigation water use for five soil types is estimated from a monthly water budget model on the basis of precipitation and temperature data. Irrigation water use from each township with irrigated acreage is added to municipal and industrial ground-water use data and then compared to aquifer potential yields. A statewide geographic information system is used for the spatial analysis. The model is tested for sensitivity to climate variation; seasonal water deficits are calculated by using data from extreme growing seasons and extended droughts. The effect of increasing the amount of irrigated land is also considered. The effects of variable irrigation demand on ground-water resources are expressed as use/yield ratios, to highlight regions most susceptible to ground-water stress because of drought or increased irrigation. Results show that irrigation is a substantial seasonal consumptive ground-water use in Illinois. but effects are localized and highly dependent on climate variability. Some potential for seasonal or temporary over pumpage may exist in the most heavily irrigated areas during years with below-normal precipitation or during extended droughts. However, the aquifers being used for irrigation appear to be able to recover from high seasonal demands for irrigation water without suffering significant depletion. Exceptions to this may occur during extended drought periods, especially if widespread expansion of irrigation practices occurs.

Publisher

Illinois State Water Survey

Series/Report Name or Number

Report of Investigation (Illinois State Water Survey) RI-109

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/77884

Copyright and License Information

Copyright, University of Illinois Board of Trustees. All rights reserved. This document is a product of the Illinois State Water Survey, and has been selected and made available by the Illinois State Water Survey and the University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It is intended for research and educational use, and proper attribution is requested.

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