What is the purpose of a water audit in irrigation?

The purpose of a water audit in irrigation is primarily to assess and improve water use efficiency. A water audit systematically evaluates how much water is used in an irrigation system, identifies where water losses occur, and analyzes how efficiently water is being applied to the landscape or crops. With this information, landowners or managers can make informed decisions about system modifications, scheduling, and management practices that enhance the overall efficacy of water use. This can lead to reduced water waste, improved plant health, and lower costs by ensuring that water is applied where it is needed most effectively.

The other options focus on actions or goals that are not directly related to the main function of a water audit. Reducing the types of plants irrigated may not enhance water use efficiency and could limit biodiversity or plant health. Maximizing the irrigation area might lead to wasteful use of water without ensuring efficient application. Establishing new irrigation zones could be a result of findings from a water audit, but it is not the primary goal of conducting one.