Irrigation Efficiences

Irrigation Efficiencies

What is the Irrigation Efficiencies Program?

It is a technical and cost share assistance program approved by the Legislature to promote on-farm water conservation activities.

Who is eligible?

Any landowner with a water right for irrigation purposes on a priority stream (contact KCCD for information on priority streams).

What does the landowner have to do to receive assistance?

• Install a more efficient irrigation system
  
• Manage irrigation system to maximize water conservation (use qualified best management practices - BMP's)
  
• Measure water usage continuously.
  
• Maintain records of water usage.
  
• Install fish screens in diversions within twelve months.
  
• Agree to compliance inspections when proper notice is given.
  
• Lease a percentage of the saved water to the State for a minimum of ten years.

How much cost share will the landowner receive?

The amount of cost share is determined in part by the percentage of the saved water put into trust and for the length of the trust period. The landowner can receive up to 85% cost share funding.

What happens to the leased water?

The leased water will be held in trust by the State until the lease period ends, at that time the water right will be returned to the landowner in the same form as enrolled.

How will "saved water" be determined?

The Natural Resource Conservation Service's (NRCS) methodology that evaluates irrigation water delivery system, irrigation system efficiency, and irrigation water management will be used.

What is the difference in seniority between the "saved water" and the remaining water right?

The "saved water" put into trust is junior to the water right remaining for land application. Therefore, in a drought year, the landowner can attempt to fulfill the "senior" land application right before the trust right gets water. When the lease is over, the water returns to "senior" designation.

What happens to the "saved water" not put into trust?

The "saved water" not put into trust remains a part of the original water right. However, that portion of the original water right that is "saved" and not put into trust, could potentially be in jeopardy of relinquishment because it's not protected by the State's water trust program.

What is the relinquishment rule?

The amount of water not utilized in at least one out of 5 consecutive years period may be relinquished or returned to the State as Waters of the State

Who pays for the fish screen?

The landowner must provide the screen or acquire other funding to pay for the screening system. Cost share programs are available through KCCD or NRCS.

What best management practices (BMP's) qualify for funding?

• Irrigation canal
• Irrigation erosion control
• Irrigation regulating reservoir
• Irrigation system
• Irrigation water conveyance
• Irrigation water management
• Pumping plant for water control
• Tail water recovery
• Structure for water control
• Water well
• Water flow measuring devices

Who does the landowner contact for more information or to sign up?

Contact Mark Crowley at the KCCD at (509) 925-8585 ext. 4

KCCD's Completed Projects

Cooke-Caribou Creeks

Bull Canal

Lower Wilson Creek

Teanaway River (Ballard Ditch)

Taneum Creek

Big Creek

Lmuma Creek

Coleman Creek

Taneum Creek