Agricultural Water Optimization Program
Forecasted
Agricultural Water Optimization Program supports Utah producers and irrigation companies with infrastructure and practice improvements to build water resiliency while maintaining viable agriculture.
Funder: Utah Department of Agriculture and Food
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000 for farms and $1,000,000 for irrigation/canal companies; 50%–75% program cost share
Summary: Supports Utah agricultural water infrastructure, measurement, and practice improvements that build water resiliency while maintaining viable agriculture without increasing depletions.
Key Information: All projects require real-time metering and annual water-use and crop-production reports for three years after completion.
Description
The Agricultural Water Optimization Program, administered by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), helps agricultural producers optimize water use and build water resiliency in Utah. It funds new and updated infrastructure alongside innovative agricultural practices, including measurement, telemetry, and reporting improvements on farms and within irrigation and canal systems.
The program aims to maintain viable agriculture while reducing water depletion, increasing operational flexibility, and improving water quantification. Projects document water savings through accurate, real-time measurement. The Agricultural Water Optimization Committee oversees program policies and application review, with grant awards made by the Utah Conservation Commission. Saved water may qualify as a beneficial use and receive additional nonuse protection when a change application is filed with the State Engineer.
