Bevattningsvatten

Bevattningsvatten is water used for irrigation, i.e., watering crops, pastures, parks and ornamental plants. It is distinct from drinking water and is not normally intended for human consumption unless it has been treated to potable standards. The sources of bevattningsvatten can include groundwater from wells, surface water from rivers or lakes, harvested rainwater, and, in some cases, treated or recycled wastewater. The choice of source depends on availability, cost, infrastructure and regulatory permissions.

Quality and safety are central to bevattningsvatten. Regulations and agricultural guidelines set acceptable limits for contaminants, including salinity and chemical composition (often expressed as electrical conductivity and levels of ions such as sodium, chloride and boron), microbial quality, and potential pollutants like pesticides or heavy metals. Different crops and irrigation methods tolerate water quality to varying degrees, and highly saline or contaminated water may require treatment, dilution, or special irrigation practices. Reuse of wastewater for irrigation can be permissible but requires appropriate treatment, risk assessment and ongoing monitoring to protect human health and the environment.

Irrigation management aims to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Water is applied according to crop water needs, soil moisture, and weather conditions, using methods such as drip or sprinkler irrigation to reduce losses through evaporation and runoff. In some contexts, bevattningsvatten planning also involves assessing irrigation schedules, field layout, and drainage to prevent soil salinization and nutrient leaching.

In Sweden and other regions, bevattningsvatten is governed by national and local water and agricultural regulations, which address permits, monitoring, and quality standards to ensure safe and sustainable use of irrigation water.