2019 ASHS Annual Conference

What good are tools if the intended users do not use them? The Clean WateR³team, using input and feedback from growers, has developed or refreshed a number of useful tools for specialty crop growers. These tools are available online and grouped for easy access in one convenient location. The tools discussed in this presentation include: 1) A slow sand filter sizing tool to determine how to size a slow sand filter based on desired treatment volume. 2) A chlorine contact time tool used to determine if chlorine has enough contact time for effective disinfection of water. This tool will also determine what size tank is needed in addition to the irrigation pipe to achieve sufficient contact time for a given pump capacity and pipe volume. 3) The coefficient of uniformity tool to help growers test sprinkler system uniformity. This tool can help growers determine how efficiently they are applying irrigation water. 4) The pond refill calculator helps growers’ determine how much water from irrigation or rainfall runoff returns to a pond. This tool can also be used to determine retention pond sizing for capturing rainfall runoff to meet water quality regulations or irrigation needs. And, 5) The pathogen risk evaluator helps growers determine which practices put them at greater risk for pathogen contamination and spread in their operation.