Agricultural Water Optimization Program

Conservation

Mission Statement:
To help agricultural producers optimize their water use to create water resiliency in Utah.

Vision Statement:
The Agricultural Water Optimization Program improves the use of water resources and maintains viable agriculture without increasing depletions through innovative agricultural practices and the funding of new and updated infrastructure.

Program Information

  • Up to 75% cost share for measurement, telemetryย and reporting projects
  • 50% cost shareย for all other water optimization projects
  • Real-time metering is required on all projects:
    • Daily recording of all water that flows through the system
    • The meter must be able to record and store data
    • Data from the meter will be used in annual reports
  • The maximum grant amount for irrigation/canal companies is $1,000,000
  • The maximum grant amount for farms is $500,000
  • A 10% minimum out-of-pocket contribution (can be your labor) which must be documented in your payment requests
  • Annual reports on water usage and crop production are required for 3 years after project completion
  • 50% of the funding is withheld until the project is complete. This includes:
    • The final report has been approved
    • Final inspection has documented that the project meets all the program requirements

Additional Information

Payment Information

Participants in the Agricultural Water Optimization Program requiring payment should contact their local planner to initiate a payment request. 

Contact a Water Optimization Planner in Your Area

Please note that this is a reimbursement-based program and payments can only be issued for items already received and work that has been completed. Payments will be processed in the order they are received. Additional documentation may be required during the payment process, which might cause delays.

Status of Payment

Check the Status of a Payment

Payment Stages

  • Requested Payment: The initial claim or invoice submitted by the grantee/payee for processing.
  • Planner Review: The first internal check to verify that work or deliverables match the payment request.
  • Contract Manager Review: A compliance check to ensure the request aligns with the contract.
  • Program Manager Review: High-level programmatic approval confirming overall project progress.
  • Finance Review: The final internal audit to verify account codes, banking details, and grant compliance.
  • Sent for Payment: The approved request has been transmitted to the payables system for disbursement.
  • Paid: The funds have been sent via check to the recipient.

Statuses

  • Under Review: The request is currently being evaluated by staff for compliance or accuracy.
  • Awaiting Site Visit: Awaiting an on-site visit to verify completed work.
  • Awaiting Documentation: Awaiting the grantee to submit receipts, reports, or forms.
  • Awaiting Grantee Signature: The document is awaiting a signature from the grantee.
  • Awaiting Staff Signature: The document is awaiting internal sign-off from agency personnel.
  • Payment Processing: The payment has passed all approvals and is being handled by the financial system.
  • Paid: The transaction is complete and funds have been disbursed.
  • Needs Revision: The submission contains errors or omissions and requires correction.
  • Payment Error: The transaction failed due to an issue such as incorrect banking details or a returned check.
  • ON HOLD!: The request is temporarily frozen due to disputes or investigations; no payment can be made until resolved.

Key Dates

  • Check Cut Date: The date a physical check is generated for mail distribution.
  • Cleared Bank Date: The date the check was successfully processed and deposited by the grantee's bank.

For additional questions regarding payments, please reach out via email to udaf-wateroptimization@utah.gov.

Reporting Information

Final reporting should be done in cooperation with your assigned UDAF Planner. Schedule a site visit with your UDAF Planner to complete your final reporting and submit it for final reimbursement. Incomplete reporting is not accepted.

Agricultural Water Optimization Strategic Plan

Agricultural Water Optimization Dashboard

Other Information

Water Optimization Planners

Name Title Email Phone Counties
Cody Brklacich Water Optimization Planner [email protected] 385-214-7261 Rich, Cache, Box Elder
Brian Christensen Water Optimization Planner [email protected] 435-494-9760 Summit, Wasatch, Morgan, Davis, Salt Lake, Tooele County, Weber
Tanner Mills Water Optimization Planner [email protected] 385-228-2710 Carbon, Emery, Wayne, Garfield, Kane, Grand, San Juan
Hayes Mills Water Optimization Planner [email protected] 385-228-8258 Utah, Juab, Millard, Sanpete, Sevier, Piute, Beaver, Iron, Washington
Duane Houston Water Optimization Planner [email protected] 385-395-6701 Duchesne, Uintah, Daggett

Water Optimization Program

For general inquiries, please email [email protected].

Name Title Email Phone
Sherie Edginton Water Optimization Assistant Program Manager: Grants, Payments and Contracting [email protected] 385-228-7163
Brian Christensen Water Optimization Assistant Program Manager: Field Operations and Reporting [email protected] 435-494-9760
Tony Richards Water Optimization Program Manager [email protected] 435-452-2296

Note: Grant funds may be considered taxable income. Please consult a tax professional with any questions.