Abstract: A drip irrigation system for agriculture comprises a plurality of water distribution lines extending across a field or similar area for growing crops. The lines are arranged in at least two separate groups, and the lines in each of the groups are interconnected. A source of pressurized, substantially unfiltered water is selectively communicated with the lines, and a plurality of water emitters are connected with and spaced along each of the lines for discharging water into the soil. Each emitter has an orifice sized to generally allow foreign material in the unfiltered water to pass therethrough. A water distributor has an inlet portion connected with the water source, and at least two outlet ports each connected with an associated one of the water line groups.