Energy inputs to irrigation are dramatically increasing as irrigated agriculture expands to meet world food demands and more sophisticated technologies are developed to increase water use efficiency. In this study nine irrigation systems, designed for a specific land area, are analyzed and the total energy inputs computed for each system. The analysis includes energy inputs to manufactured components and installation as well as operation and maintenance. The expected life of each system and the energy value of salvagable materials are also taken into account. It is concluded that a practical balance must be established between maximizing water use efficiency and minimizing energy inputs to the irrigation system.