Irrigation projects have been undertaken by SMEC in many countries over the past 30 years. These projects have had a wide variety and combination of components, including feasibility studies, financial analyses, design, construction supervision and project management for numerous new systems and the rehabilitation and development of existing systems.

SMEC has established an international reputation for providing leading-edge technology in the study, development, monitoring and optimisation of both irrigation and drainage systems, in Australia and overseas.

The range of design services offered includes assessment of crop water and drainage requirements, design of irrigation systems, design of surface and sub-surface drainage systems, design of flood protection and flood mitigation works, design of control structures pumping stations and other appurtenant structures and associated infrastructure development.

Training and institutional development to ensure the future sustainability of a completed project are common features of all SMEC's project implementations

Examples of projects that SMEC has recently completed or is still engaged on that include irrigation systems design are:

• VWRAP Irrigation Component Phase 1, Vietnam (2000) 
• North Vam Nao Water Control Project, Vietnam (1999-2003) 
• Irrigation Rehabilitation Project, Vietnam (1997-2000) 
• Kukadi Irrigation Project-Plan of Operation and Water Management, India (1996-1997) 
• North Van Nao Flood Control Project Project Preparation, Vietnam, (1996-1997) 
• Operation and Maintenance Strengthening Project, Vietnam (1996-1997) 
• Huay Sua Irrigation, Lao PDR (1996) 
• CM-8 Diversion Canal, Thailand (1994-1995) 
• Orissa Water Resources Consolidation Project, India (1992-1993) 
• Second Irrigation Sector Project, Nepal (1994-1995) 
• SADCC Irrigation Study, Southern Africa, (1990-1991) 
• Medium Scale Irrigation Flood Control and Drainage Project, Bangladesh (1990) 
• Prek Thnot Multipurpose Project Reappraisal Phases 1 and 2, Cambodia (1989-1992) 
• Supervision of On-going Irrigation Projects, Indonesia, (1988-1990) 
• Yindaruqin Irrigation Scheme, China (1986-1994) 
• Southern Okavanga Integrated Water Development Project, Botswana, (1986-1990) 
• Kedung Ombo Irrigation Systems, Indonesia (1984-1990) 
• Batu Pahat River Basin Flood Mitigation And Integrated Agricultural Development Project, Malaysia (1983-1994) 
• Lao-Australian Irrigation Project, Lao PDR (1979-1990)