A technically successful, small program of villiage level sprinkle irrigation system installations in Guatemala was studied to ascertain its apparent economic benefits. A simple variant of high technology irrigation (pressurized demand systems) combines otherwise under-used water supply sources with idle, small plots in steep terrain. When the program managers stayed within design boundaries or parameters, as originally conceived, economic benefits to villagers were judged to be positive or very positive. Therefore, there are identifiable situations where investment as well as maintenance costs can be kept under control and thereby make a genuine contribution to growth of the national economy.