Irrigation code launch

The code will help installation contractors better understand the contractual obligations and critical installation standards required within the industry, it says.

The Installation Code of Practice (CoP) sets out understanding of the importance of a good irrigation system, the need to know what irrigation is trying to achieve and why it is important to get it built right. The code in principle addresses the economic, social and environment implications of poor installation.

"The CoP will help contractors promote to their clients why a quality job is important to the long term performance in cost rather than just the lowest cost initial installation," IrrigationNZ technical and trade chairman Stephen McNally says.

"All installers need a basic understanding of the features of a good irrigation system."

The profitability of irrigated agriculture in New Zealand is commonly lower than it should be because of poor irrigation system design and installation that results in performance failure, excessive irrigation operating costs, higher capital costs per hectare irrigated, and lower yields and income than are achievable with well-designed and installed irrigation systems.

Quality installation has a significant bearing on an irrigation system's hydraulic performance, environmental performance, reliability and longevity.

"For farmers seeing this code applied in the agreement with their contractor there will be some confidence that the construction phase and maintenance period failure risks are being properly controlled," McNally says.

Irrigation system design and evaluation has already been addressed through industry-led development of codes of practice and standards in previous Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) and IrrigationNZ projects. Until now system installation had been missed, but it is important as it has a significant bearing on the irrigation system's efficiency and performance.

Prior to the development of the Installation CoP only urban and municipal standards existed. While of use they were not directly applicable as the rural environment poses a different set of challenges, and therefore risks.

There was no industry-recognised standard for irrigation installations in New Zealand previous to the launch this week of the Installation CoP.

This national installation standard and code of practice, jointly funded by the MAF SFF and irrigation sector industries, has filled a gap in the irrigation industry and complements the existing design and evaluation codes in NZ

"This is a robust document and a final building block to ensure that on-farm irrigation infrastructure can be developed in a sustainable manner that ensures farmers have irrigation systems on farm that can deliver the right amount of water at the right time in the right place. This will meet community expectations around water use efficiency and water quality, while also minimising operating and maintenance cost," IrrigationNZ Board spokesperson Ian McIndoe says.

The next stage is the development of irrigation installation training for installers, which is underway in conjunction with the Industry Training Organisations. Two levels of training are suggested for installers and project managers.

"For installers training needs to contain some high level theory, but this needs to have minimal classroom based learning. Of more relevance are practical 'getting your hands dirty' training sessions. The project manager course would be more advanced to cover contractual obligations and commissioning of irrigation systems," McNally says.

It is anticipated the first courses will be developed and run by the end of this year.