Polyacrylamide (PAM) is a class of long-chain synthetic polymers that are used extensively in food packaging, paper manufacturing, and wastewater treatment. Over the past decade, PAM has been shown to reduce furrow erosion in agricultural settings. Recent empirical evidence suggests that the application of linear, anionic PAM to unlined irrigation canals can reduce water lost to seepage. A diverse set of experiments has been initiated to understand the efficacy of PAM usage within irrigation ditch environments. These experiments span multiple scales from small-scale bench top experiments and small-scale artificial furrow experiments, to larger engineered furrows and working irrigation ditches. Our objective for this study was to assess the effectiveness of different PAM application methods and concentrations on seepage reductions in small scale, artificial Test Troughs (TT). Minimization of PAM application is desired to: 1) reduce the potential downstream movement of PAM and thereby reduce it's ability to interact with sensitive environments or negatively impact seepage dependent wetlands; 2) reduce the potential of the PAM application to suffocate benthic macroinvertebrates and/or otherwise adversely affect aquatic species in receiving waterways, and; 3) reduce the environmental exposure of acrylamide, a carcinogenic impurity present in low concentrations in PAM. The TT consists of two 24 m long, 10 cm deep furrows formed from native ASTM C-33 sand. During water application, inflows (70 L/min), outflows, and seepage from under the troughs were continuously measured. The application of 11 kg/ha of linear, anionic PAM in granular form produced the greatest seepage reductions, 81 ± 10 % relative to the control. Seepage reduction was not improved with greater application rates, but did decrease to 60 ± 2 % with the lower application rate of 6 kg/ha. When applied as a partially hydrated PAM solution, seepage reduction was 61 ± 13 % regardless of application rate (7 and 34 kg/ha). As little as 1 kg/ha of PAM (applied as a solution to achieve a water column concentration not to exceed 1 mg/L of PAM) was found to have reduced seepage by 68 ± 7 %. Although easier to apply than the partially hydrated or solution forms, granular PAM treatments had the greatest concentration of PAM in surface water outflows. PAM concentrations were routinely up to 1 mg/L within the first 30 minutes, with maximum observed concentrations of 6 to 8 mg/L. In contrast, PAM concentrations were routinely below the detection limit during partially hydrated PAM applications. Once applied to an irrigation canal, granular PAM requires time to dissolve before it can interact with sediments. Prior to its dissolution, water currents can transport PAM downstream. Linear, anionic PAM is a promising, cost-effective tool for reducing seepage losses from under unlined irrigation canals. In addition to the water savings, seepage reduction could also lower the transport of salts or other contaminants from unlined irrigation canals. The ability of PAM to move downstream suggests that PAM must be applied responsibly to minimize environmental exposure and adversely affecting seepage dependent wetlands and receiving waters.