Irrigation

Hello. My name is Irrigation. I am a big helper that gives thirsty plants a drink so they can grow big and strong. A long, long time ago, even before your grandparents were born, the sun was very hot. In places like Mesopotamia, around 6000 BCE, it did not rain very much. The little green plants in the fields were sad and droopy because they were so thirsty. The kind farmers who looked after them wanted to find a way to help their little friends grow into yummy food for everyone to eat. They needed a special idea to bring water to their gardens.

The farmers were very clever. They saw big, splashy rivers flowing with lots of water. They had a wonderful idea. They thought, 'What if we could make the water go for a walk to visit our thirsty plants?'. So, they took their shovels and dug little paths in the dirt. These paths were like tiny roads made just for the water. That was me being born. I became a whole family of little streams. They called my streams canals and ditches. I was so happy to carry the cool water from the big river all the way to the little seeds waiting patiently in the fields.

With a nice, long drink of water from me, the plants were so happy. They grew tall and strong. Soon, they made yummy foods like crunchy carrots and sweet berries for everyone to share. Because I helped the plants grow, people had plenty of food to eat. They could stay in one place and build wonderful towns. I still help farmers all over the world today. Sometimes I am a sprinkler that dances in the field, and sometimes I am a special hose that gives each plant a little sip. I love helping to grow healthy food for you.