TWDB Agricultural Water Conservation Grants

The TWDB Agricultural Water Conservation Grants Program supports projects that enhance irrigation efficiency and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Texas. Eligible projects include irrigation monitoring, rainwater harvesting, and innovative technologies. Funding aims to improve water conservation strategies, engage agricultural producers through outreach, and demonstrate measurable water savings. This initiative aligns with Texas' water management goals, fostering resilience to climate variability and encouraging the adoption of advanced water-saving practices.

Agricultural Water Conservation Grants Program
The Agricultural Water Conservation Grants Program offers grants for projects that support agricultural irrigation conservation strategies in alignment with the state water plan and demonstrate agricultural water conservation best management practices. Projects that receive grants must adhere to the Texas Administrative Code Title 31 Section 367. Each year, applications are solicited to address specific topics, based on current issue areas in Texas agricultural water conservation. Some examples of previously awarded grants include the following water saving approaches:

• Irrigation systems improvements
• Demonstrations and technology transfer
• Equipment cost share
• The Agricultural Water Conservation Grants Program has funded hundreds of projects since its inception in 1985 that has saved thousands of acre-feet of water.
• What can be funded?
• A conservation program:
• an agricultural water conservation technical assistance program;
• a research, demonstration, technology transfer, or educational program relating to agricultural water use and conservation; and
• a water conservation program administered by a state agency or political subdivision to provide loans to persons for conservation projects.
• A conservation project:
• improves the efficiency of water delivery to and application on existing irrigation systems;
• prepares irrigated land for conversion to dry land conditions;
• prepares dry land for more efficient use of natural precipitation;
• purchases and installs on public or private property devices designed to indicate the amount of water withdrawn for irrigation purposes; or

prepares and maintains land to be used for brush control activities in areas of the state where those activities, in the TWDB's judgment, would be most effective