THE Environment Agency has published a guide for farmers and others who are considering building a storage reservoir for irrigation.

As water availability is getting scarcer it is essential that it is used efficiently to get more crop per drop, says Anne Taylor, principal environment planning officer at the Environment Agency.

"In addition to this, if water is abstracted during high river flows and stored, it will reduce the impact on the environment in the summer and provide a more reliable source of water for irrigation," she added.

Careful planning when building a reservoir can reduce costs and maximise benefits.

The booklet provides a guide through the various stages from planning, design, construction through to commissioning. It includes case studies, information on costs and funding and incorporating environmental enhancements. This booklet can help make the process easier.

"Approximately a fifth of all water abstracted for spray irrigation comes from reservoir storage but concerns regarding future water security is driving that figure upwards. For many businesses we believe that building an irrigation reservoir is a no-regret action," says Dr Jerry Knox from Cranfield University, one of the co-authors of the report who recently attended the UK Irrigation Association conference on reservoirs at Peterborough.

Copies of the reservoir booklet are available from the Environment Agency by contacting us on 08708 506506 or by downloading it from the Publications Catalogue at http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk There will also be a number of other events throughout the year where the booklet will be available and where people can learn more about water efficiency and reservoirs.