The National Ground Water Association and the Irrigation Association have signed an agreement that will support efforts to address mutual areas of interest such as scientific, technical and policy issues related to ground water and wells.



The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) and the Irrigation Association (IA) have signed an agreement that will support efforts to address mutual areas of interest such as scientific, technical and policy issues related to ground water and wells.

“Irrigation uses the largest amount of ground water in the United States. Consequently, our organizations share an interest in the wise use and protection of ground water for those who need it now and in the future,” says Kevin McCray, NGWA executive director.

About 70 percent of all ground water withdrawals daily in the United States - about 58 million gallons per day - are for irrigation. “It makes sense that the ground water and well system experts work cooperatively with the irrigation system experts in what inherently is a symbiotic relationship,” McCray notes.

According to the agreement, increased cooperation between the two organizations could take shape in the form of joint research; conferences; education and training; policy statements; technical documents; or business development.

“Decisions about water often are based on emotions,” says IA executive director Tom Kimmell. “It is in the interest of the Irrigation Association, our members, and the National Ground Water Association to encourage policy decisions based on science. This agreement allows our organizations to work together to support research and fact-based public policy where ground water and irrigation are concerned.”