How do water source and pumping requirements impact the initial investment and operational costs of an irrigation system?

The water source and pumping requirements significantly influence both the initial investment and operational costs of an irrigation system. For instance, if the water source is a well or borehole, the initial investment may include the cost of drilling and equipping the well, as well as the pump and piping system. Operational costs will include the energy consumption of the pump, which can be substantial. In contrast, if the water source is a municipal supply, the initial investment may be lower, but operational costs will include the cost of water itself. Understanding these factors is essential for accurate cost-benefit analysis and ROI calculation.