Field experiments were conducted for 3 years (1987)(1988)(1989) at Regional Research Station, Bathinda, representing a canal irrigated area of southwest Punjab. The effects of four irrigation methods were studied: flooding, irrigation to each furrow, irrigation to alternate furrows, and irrigation to furrows between paired crop rows, on water economy, growth, and yield of cotton. Irrigation water saving by the modified water delivery treatments, in comparison with flood irrigations, was in the order alternate furrows > single furrow between paired rows > every furrow. Alternate furrow irrigation required about 50% of the water required for flooding with little or no loss in productivity.