FAQs

Agricultural Water Conservation Program

Am I eligible to apply for an agricultural water conservation grant?

The Agricultural Water Conservation Grants Program offers grants to state agencies and political subdivisions; however, individual agricultural producers are eligible to participate in those projects.

I have an idea for a project. Is someone available to direct me through the application process?

Yes. Please contact agricultural water conservation staff at agconservation@twdb.texas.gov.

When is the next agricultural water conservation grant request for applications (RFA)?

The RFA is published annually in the Texas Register. Usually this occurs in early spring. View all current TWDB RFAs or contact Ag Conservation staff for more information.

How do I find out more information about TWDB agricultural water conservation loans?

For additional information please visit the Agricultural Water Conservation Loan Program page.

Can a political subdivision apply for more than one grant in the same fiscal year?

Yes. A political subdivision may apply for more than one grant in the same fiscal year.

Do you have an example of a past Agricultural Water Conservation Grant Request for Application?
Example FY18 application

Do you have sample of past Agricultural Water Conservation Grant Application Instructions?
Example FY18 instructions

Education

What sort of agricultural conservation education resources does TWDB offer?

TWDB offers educational videos that teach about agricultural water use in the State of Texas along with other resources. Please visit the TWDB agricultural education page for more information.

How may I order copies of the Best Management Practices brochure?

Please visit the Water Conservation Publications and Brochures page.

Irrigation Water Use Estimates

How does TWDB calculate annual irrigation estimates?

Please see our irrigation estimates page here for more information on this process.

Whom do I contact for more detailed information on county irrigation estimates by crop type?

Please contact agconservation@twdb.texas.gov.

Irrigation estimates for my county are too high (or low). Whom do I contact to address this?

If you'd like to discuss county estimates, please contact agconservation@twdb.texas.gov.

Does TWDB have any historical information on the location of irrigated acreage in a county?

TWDB does havehistorical irrigation survey maps, that include the general location of the irrigated crop acres within a county; however, TWDB does not have any statewide georeferenced spatial location information for irrigated crop acres.

Metering of Irrigation Use?

I want a meter on my irrigation system. Does TWDB provide these?

TWDB offers grant funds to political subdivisions annually. For more information please visit our metering page.

What entities participate in the TWDB equipment cost share program? Is my district a partnering entity?

Political subdivisions and state agencies are eligible to participate in the program. For more information, please visit TWDB's metering program page or contact agconservation@twdb.texas.gov for an up-to-date list of current program participants.

Why is it important to meter agricultural irrigation water use?

An irrigation flow meter is a useful tool to assist irrigators in managing their irrigation system(s). Please visit TWDB's metering program for more detailed information.

Are meters the only type of equipment funded by TWDB?
No, through the Agricultural Water Conservation Grants Program, TWDB provides equipment cost share funding — through participating entities — to agricultural producers for conservation equipment. Examples include soil-moisture monitoring devices, supervisory control automation and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, center pivot monitoring and control devices, and drip irrigation control systems.

Irrigation System Audits

Does TWDB still perform irrigation system audits for center pivot irrigation systems?

The TWDB does not offer irrigation system audits for center pivot irrigation systems anymore. Please refer to the irrigation audit page for instructional resources on performing an audit.

What resources are available if I want to perform my own irrigation system audit?

Please visit our irrigation audit webpage to learn about our portable flow meter equipment loan program.

What other agencies may have available resources to assist with an audit in my region?

Please check with your local soil and water conservation district, groundwater conservation district, local USDA-NRCS office, or Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent for assistance in irrigation audits.

What is the average efficiency percentage so I'll know where my system stands?

An average efficiency percentage for a center pivot utilizing a low elevation spray application (LESA) is around 85%, a low energy precision application (LEPA) is around 90%. Drip irrigation systems typically have application efficiencies above 95%. This percentage may vary according to the design of an individual irrigation system.

If my pivot is found to need upgrading, is there any funding from TWDB or someone else to do so?

Yes, there is financial assistance through our low interest loan program to local districts. Please visit our loan program. On occasion, our Ag Grants program may include categories aimed at improving irrigation efficiency as well.

Irrigation Scheduling Tools

Why is it necessary to schedule irrigation events?

The timing of irrigation is very important, and free tools exist to help increase yield while saving money and water at the same time. If irrigation plus precipitation times are not logged, a crop may receive too much water and become water-logged, or too little water and become stressed.

What technologies are available to help me with irrigation scheduling on my system?

Check out TAWC Solutions, as well as an TWDB-aggregated list of irrigation scheduling tools.