Depending on the quality of the irrigation water most irrigation systems will need to be cleaned using some form of chemical treatment to keep drip emitters dripping. There are several drip irrigation cleaning chemicals available. The types of obstruction that can be effectively cleaned, the method of application and the risks associated with use differ greatly between chemicals. The table below gives an overview of which groups of chemicals can be used for various types of irrigation system clogging issues and the hazards involved in their use.