The application of crop residues (mulches) to irrigation furrows can have a large impact on improving surface water quality from surface irrigated lands in central Washington state. This study showed that soil erosion in furrows can be effectively controlled by the use of crop residues at rates of about 0.66 Mg ha - 1 in the furrow area. The runoff leaving the residue applied treatments was often clear. There was a large decrease in nutrients leaving the field due to reduced sediment losses. The use of surge flow was superior to continuous flow furrow irrigation for maintaining acceptable application uniformities because of increased wetted perimeters and slow advance rates when crop residues were present. Surge flow with residues resulted in a more uniform water application when compared to constant flow furrow irrigation at the same residue loadings and inflow rates, and also reduced soil-attached fertilizer losses.