Irrigation Program
The Columbia Conservation District in partnership with the Washington State Conservation Commission offers cost share opportunities to landowners to install more efficient irrigation systems.
Agriculture in Columbia County is one of the most water intensive activities put on local streams. Increasing the efficiency in our irrigation practices is one of the most effective ways of conserving water to ensure adequate levels for agricultural producers and animals alike.
How the program works
- In order to be eligible, participants must have valid water rights in one of 16 identified fish-critical basins
- Program pays up to 85% of total costs for landowners to implement perscried best management practices that increase the effeciency to crop water delivery to irrigated agriculture (up to $400,000 per contract)
- On-farm projects receive irrigation water management planning
- Source metering and fish screening prescrived as appropriate
- Pro-rated portion of saved water is transferred too the states Trust Water Rights program for in-stream flows (proportion based on cost share amount)
How the program began
The program began in 2001 from private land owners and environmentalists who wanted to cooperatively restore in-stream flows for endangered salmonid populations within the states 16 critical basins.
Additional Program information:
Washington State Conservation Commission Irrigation Efficiencies webpage
WADE 2020 Farm & Fields Irrigation Efficiency Programs with Jon Culp