Agricultural Water Optimization Program
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, telemetry and reporting projects
- 50% cost share 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.
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.
For additional questions, please reach out via email to udaf-wateroptimization@
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.
- Final Reporting
- Water Loss Study Final Reporting
- Annual Reporting
- After a FULL irrigation season, an annual report must be submitted every year for 3 years
Water Optimization Planners
| Name | Title | 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, 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 Hudson | Water Optimization Planner | [email protected] | 385-395-6701 | Duchesne, Uintah, Daggett |
Water Optimization Program
For general inquiries, please email [email protected].
| Name | Title | 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.