Farmers and water managers across the United States are now equipped with a powerful tool that offers high precision in monitoring water usage. A newly expanded satellite-based platform is now capable of estimating water consumption down to individual fields, significantly impacting water management strategies particularly in the drought-prone Western regions.
This innovative platform utilizes satellite imagery alongside climate data to measure evapotranspiration (ET), which accounts for the water lost through evaporation from soil and transpiration through plants. This data becomes crucial for optimizing irrigation practices and provides water managers with a comprehensive view of agricultural water use over larger areas.
According to Sara Larsen, CEO of OpenET, the technology allows users to identify specific areas within fields that might be over or under-watered. As Larsen describes, “It can actually help you understand, like, ‘Oh — I have one part of my field where I’m getting water to very efficiently, and then another part of my field is a little dry, or maybe a little too soggy.’”
Proponents of the technology highlight its potential in minimizing water wastage while ensuring crop productivity. This capability is particularly valuable under current climate change pressures, where rising temperatures drive higher water demand.
Accurate water usage data is of interest to water managers, especially in regions where water rights and conservation agreements rely on precise measurements. The satellite-based system may provide a clearer and more consistent picture of water use, which is vital for long-term sustainability.
The Colorado River Basin is one such region where this technology could play a critical role. Persistent overuse and a prolonged drought have significantly depleted reservoirs like Lake Mead and Lake Powell, underscoring the need for improved water management solutions.
This article was created by the Mountain West News Bureau, which includes contributions from KUNR, Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUNC in Northern Colorado, KANW in New Mexico, Colorado Public Radio, KJZZ in Arizona, and NPR, with additional support from affiliate newsrooms across the region. Funding is partly provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Eric and Wendy Schmidt.
