Such systems require access to permanently-charged water district canals or lines, a power source for the pump, good filtration and a water meter. Land leveling generally is not required for the installation and operation of these systems. The water output per emitter may be selected from 0.5 to 4.0 gallons per hour. The number and spacing of emitters at each tree determines the total water output for each tree over time and the total surface area wetted. It is generally accepted that a minimum of 50 percent of the surface area covered by the tree canopy should be wetted.
Drip irrigation requires high maintenance and good filtration to reduce clogging problems.
Periodic flushing of filters and lines and chemical treatment of the system is necessary to alleviate clogging and gradually reduced flow from the emitters. Salinity buildup can occur, particularly because of the small volume of wetted soil per emitter. However, drip irrigation can conserve as much as 33 percent of the amount of water used in flood systems. Moreover, orchard performance should be somewhat higher under well-managed drip irrigation systems because of better water distribution and avoidance of water stress between irrigation cycles. Such systems are best installed before planting, but can be installed in mature orchards with minimal disruption.