The long term profitability of furrow, conventional low pressure center pivot, and LEPA (a very, low pressure type pivot) type irrigation systems, are compared. The discounted net returns over a 45 year planning horizon from the irrigation of cotton on a 640 acre tract in the medium textured soil area of the Texas High Plains are shown. The analysis provided the optimal crop mix and level of irrigation; when the farmer uses the above systems under different pumping lift and groundwater supply situations. The impact of the furrow diking tillage technique on the profitability of the irrigation systems and aquifer life is also shown.