Drip irrigation used in conjunction with plastic mulches and other intensive production technologies continues to expand in the Midwestern states. The vegetable crops being produced on the greatest acreages using drip irrigation/plastic mulch are tomatoes, peppers, muskmelons and watermelons. Summer squash, eggplant, cucumbers and some cole crops are also grown using drip irrigation and plastic mulches but to a much lesser extent. The estimated acreage for drip irrigation in the Midwest is 43,209 acres which includes both vegetable and fruit crops. Special consideration in using drip irrigation in this region of the country are high pH of the water, amounts of calcium salts, and iron levels in the water.