A mathematical model based on the complete hydrodynamic equations of open-channel flow is developed for simulation of a complete irrigation in a border irrigation system. An explicit two-step numerical scheme has been employed for the solution of the flow equations. The total infiltrated water depth at each location along the border is determined. From this intermediate result three performance parameters, expressing the merits of the irrigation as affected by the magnitude of each of the various independent physical or management variables involved in the process, are evaluated. Through an analysis of these effects the selection of the proper size or magnitude of certain of the main affecting parameters becomes possible and thus an optimum combination of the main design or operation parameters in a border irrigation system can be obtained. An example of the proposed technique is included.