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chloride if sprayed on foliage is more of an issue than if applied to the soil and the same applies for the sodium. Boron will not be an issue faced with this recycled water. Plants vary dramatically in their tolerance to salts so in order to evaluate -- them, it must be determined which species are present. Irriclation: If irrigation occurs primarily by sprinkler the concern would be the amount of chloride and sodium that will be absorbed through the foliage. Another issue is how frequently water is applied because every time water is received, more salts are absorbed. Soil: There are three elements to consider: texture, whether sandy or clay; chemical characteristics, such as a lot of salt already present; and the drainage. Over time as water with salts is applied, the salts accumulate in the upper levels of the soil and we rely on rainfall to push those salts below the roots in wintertime. If there is something prohibiting the water from going downward, the leeching effect does not occur. It is extremely important that there be adequate drainage in the soil being irrigated with recycled water. There are some possible adverse affects to this water. One of the first symptoms is burning of the foliage along the edges of the leaves. Foliar spotting can occur if there are bicarbonates in the water. Another effect can be a decrease of water movement in clay soil. The pH level will rise over time as the water is used and can cause iron deficiency symptoms in sensitive plants. A higher level of salts can cause a physiological stress in plants and can make it more sensitive to insect and disease problems. The key points to be considered are the quality of the water, what plants exist there, what type of irrigation delivery systems will be used, and the site conditions. The sites well suited for recycled water are turf areas because as the turf grows from the bottom, the salts rise and get mowed off. Established trees and shrubs that do not need frequent irrigation are a good use. Species that are not sensitive to salt are well suited as well. Salt sensitive plants and a situation where prime plants exist may not be suitable for recycled water use. Poody drained areas, high clay or high level pH or salt soils would not be suitable. There are some continuing management concerns to be addressed. Irrigation should be heavier, gypsum or sulphur compounds can be added to counteract as the sodium level increases. The fertilizer program can be decreased by 25% and irrigation frequency can be increased so that the salts do not become more concentrated as the soil dries out. Monitoring of the salt concentration and pH content in the soil affects the plants. She closed with REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 26, 2002 MINUTES PAGE 9 MINUTES Book No. 59 Page No. 243