Agricultural Water Optimization Program (United States)

Funding Information

• $500,000 is the maximum request amount for on-farm projects.
• $1,000,000 is the maximum request amount for canal/irrigation company projects.

Funding Criteria

• On-Farm:
  • All applicants must engage in a pre-consultation with the Utah Division of Water Rights.
  • All projects will be ranked based on criteria approved by the Agricultural Water Optimization Committee and funding recommendations will be approved by the Utah Conservation Commission.
  • All materials purchased for the Water Optimization Project must be new. Used equipment is not eligible for program funding.
  • Fodder systems, hydroponic systems, any well drilling, or routine irrigation system maintenance (as determined by the Agricultural Water Optimization Committee) are not eligible practices for the program.
  • Pivot end guns, reel guns or other large sprinklers are not eligible for program funding and cannot be included on any funded project. Projects with end guns, big guns or large sprinklers of any kind will not receive funding.
  • Irrigation ponds must meet all local, state & federal safety regulations.
  • It is the responsibility of the grantee to obtain all required permits, permissions and approvals associated with construction of the agricultural water optimization project. If all permits, permissions and approvals are not obtained UDAF may require funds to be paid back.
  • Every project requires a real time measurement device to be installed. Real-time means water measurement readings must be taken at a specified interval (hourly, daily, weekly) and the data from the meter must be downloadable. The measurement device must also be maintained for a minimum of 3 years.
  • Annual reports must be submitted for a minimum of 3 years following project completion and use of the new system for a full irrigation season. If 3 years of annual reporting is not submitted, UDAF may request funding to be paid back.
  • Upon completion, each project must be inspected by a UDAF planner for completeness. A final inspection form must be filled out by both the UDAF planner and the producer.
  • All projects are subject to a State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) review. Projects that commence in any earth moving activity prior to proper SHPO clearance will automatically forfeit all funding.
  • 50/50 cost share is available through the Water Optimization program. If other funding is obtained a minimum of 10% of the total project cost is required out of pocket for all projects.
  • Subsurface drip and automated surge projects are eligible for up to 75% cost share at the discretion of the Agricultural Water Optimization Committee.
  • 20% of the total funding awarded will be withheld until the project has been fully completed, including the installation of a real-time measurement device.
  • Grant funds are distributed via reimbursement. Project spending must be tracked, and invoices must be submitted for all payment requests. Eligible invoices will be paid at 50% of the total (or up to 75% for applicable projects). All payment requests must be made through Submittable.
  • Payments cannot be requested more frequently than once per month.
  • If the land where the project is located is sold during project installation or annual reporting years, all or part of grant dollars may be requested to be paid back if the project cannot be transferred to the new owner and/or is no longer useable.
  • Any modifications to the proposed project must be submitted in writing to Water Optimization staff to be reviewed for approval prior to the change being made.
  • Applications cannot be combined for different project types. Each project type should submit an individual application.
  • Consult a certified public accountant for all tax related questions. UDAF will send out a 1099-SE annually if applicable.
• Canal – Irrigation Company:
  • All applicants must have a completed water loss (seepage) study prior to submitting an application for water optimization funding. If a study has not been completed water optimization can pay 50% of the cost of having a study completed. The water loss study must include:
    • Completed or reviewed and signed by an engineer or hydrologist
    • Include a map of the canal/irrigation system
    • Include a statement on current water seepage losses and expected savings
    • Include a water measurement plan
  • All applicants must engage in a pre-consultation with the Utah Division of Water Rights.
  • All projects will be ranked based on criteria approved by the Agricultural Water Optimization Committee and funding recommendations will be approved by the Utah Conservation Commission.
  • All materials purchased for the Water Optimization Project must be new.
  • Fodder systems, hydroponic systems, any well drilling, or routine irrigation system maintenance (as determined by the Agricultural Water Optimization Committee) are not eligible practices for the program.
  • Ponds are required to meet all local, state & federal safety regulations.
  • It is the responsibility of the grantee to obtain all required permits, permissions and approvals associated with construction of the agricultural water optimization project.
  • Every project requires a real time measurement device to be installed. Real-time means water measurement readings must be taken at a specified interval (hourly, daily, weekly) and the data from the meter must be downloadable. The measurement device must also be maintained for a minimum of 3 years.
  • Annual reports must be submitted for a minimum of 3 years following project completion and use of the new system for a full irrigation season. If 3 years of annual reporting is not submitted, UDAF may request funding to be paid back.
  • Upon completion, each project must be inspected by a UDAF planner for completeness. A final inspection form must be filled out by both the UDAF planner and the producer.
  • All projects are subject to the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) review. Projects that commence in any earth moving activity prior to proper SHPO clearance will automatically forfeit all funding.
  • 50/50 cost share is available through the Water Optimization program. If other funding is obtained a minimum of 10% of the total project cost is required out of pocket for all projects.
  • 20% of the total funding awarded will be withheld until the project has been fully completed, including the installation of a real-time measurement device.
  • Grant funds are distributed via reimbursement. Project spending must be tracked, and invoices must be submitted for all payment requests. Eligible invoices will be paid at 50% of the total. All payment requests must be made through Submittable.
  • Payments cannot be requested more frequently than once per month.
  • If land where the project is located is sold during project installation or annual reporting years, all or part of grant dollars will be requested to be paid back if the project cannot be transferred to the new owner and/or is no longer useable.
  • Any modifications to the proposed project must be submitted in writing to Water Optimization staff to be reviewed for approval prior to the change being made.
  • Applications cannot be combined for different project types. Each project type should submit an individual application.
  • Consult a certified public accountant for all tax related questions. UDAF will send out a 1099-SE annually if applicable.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Agricultural Water Optimization Program is only available to agricultural irrigation water users with a valid water share or water right.
• This program is not for secondary irrigation systems or livestock watering systems.
• Projects must be located in Utah.

For more information, visit Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.