Department of the Interior National Irrigation Water Quality Program 
Summary, FY 1986-91

Richard A. Engberg

Abstract

	The Department of the Interior National Irrigation Water Quality 
Program was started in 1985 in response to concerns about contamination of 
water, bottom sediment and biota in National Wildlife Refuges or migratory 
bird use areas by trace constituents or pesticides in drainwater from 
Department of the Interior constructed or managed irrigation projects. The 
Program has five phases. In site identification (phase 1), over 600 irrigation 
projects were aggregated, studied, and categorized. Thirty-one aggregated 
areas were selected for further study. By 1991, reconnaissance 
investigations (phase 2) have been or are being carried out in 25 areas and 
detailed studies (phase 3) have been or are being carried out in 7 areas. 
Planning for remediation (phase 4) studies began in 1991 for 4 areas. 
Remediation (phase 5) is not yet underway for any area. Through FY 1991, 
Program expenditures have been $15,376,100.

	The Program has achieved great success owing to interbureau 
cooperation. Funding is provided by the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. 
Geological Survey, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Indian 
Affairs. Study teams comprised of scientists from these bureaus conduct 
field studies. The U.S. Geological Survey is lead agency for phases 2 and 3 
studies and the Bureau of Reclamation is lead agency for phases 4 and 5 
studies. Because of program structure within some of the bureaus, time 
schedules for phases 2 and 3 report preparation and review have slipped. 
Slow turn-around time for laboratory analyses contributed to delays early in 
the Program. Phase 1 of the Program is complete and phases 2 and 3 will be 
completed by about 1995. Phases 4 and 5 may continue for several years.