A new report from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) points to drainage water recycling as a powerful tool to help farmers manage unpredictable rainfall, protect feed crops, and improve water quality.
The study, Economic Analysis of Drainage Water Recycling: Opportunities for Supporting Farm Resilience and Water Quality, shows that capturing and reusing excess drainage water can boost yields, save costs, and enhance environmental outcomes—a win for both farmers and their communities.
“The Midwest has faced major challenges with drought and floods, often in the same season,” said Will McDow, Associate Vice President of Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds at EDF. “Drainage water recycling helps farmers manage these extremes while improving water quality.”
Protecting Feed and Farm Profitability
For dairy producers, the benefits are clear. The system collects surplus water from tile drains, stores it in ponds or reservoirs, and repurposes it for irrigation during dry spells. This ensures more reliable feed production and reduces the stress of weather swings on farm economics.
EDF’s analysis found that farmers could increase annual income by $130 to $146 per acre during dry years while saving $10–$20 per acre in fuel and fertilizer costs.
“Farmers are already investing in practices that improve water quality, but those practices must also make economic sense,” said Todd Sutphin of the Iowa Soybean Association. “This approach supports both consistent crop yields and smarter risk management.”
Delivering Broader Environmental Gains
Beyond individual farms, drainage water recycling can improve watershed health and reduce flooding risks. By storing excess water, farmers lessen nutrient losses and runoff during storms—issues that often affect neighboring farms and downstream communities.
The system does require a significant upfront investment—typically $1.8 to $3.3 million. EDF suggests that co-investment models between landowners, conservation programs, and drainage districts could make the practice more feasible.
A Step Toward Climate Resilience
As weather extremes intensify, water management is becoming central to dairy sustainability. Drainage water recycling offers a practical, science-based approach to protect feed stability, strengthen nutrient management, and reduce environmental impact.
