Grow Local Food

Agriculture is a major mainstay of our local economy. Water for agriculture and other uses remains a key concern of our valleys. The District is working to further the third aspect of our 5 Point Water Action Plan through partnerships with farmers and cities alike.

We’re Helping Local Agriculture By…

Repairing aging irrigation infrastructure

The ditches that provide water to farms are old and in need of repair. Upgrades can help them deliver water more efficiently while also maintaining ecosystems such as wetlands that were created from seeping ditches.

Offering education and training for next-generation farmers

The average age of farmers/producers/ranchers and ditch superintendents is rising. Historically, there has been little coordinated succession planning and even less institutional leadership to help the next generation. We’re in the process of partnering with others to help train the next generation in leadership and land management.

Encouraging mutually beneficial water sharing between cities and farms

As nearby cities grow, an increasing amount of their water will likely have to come from irrigated agriculture. To remove the pressure on farmers to sell their water rights, new policies have been created that allow them to temporarily lease water instead. These temporary water sharing agreements, also referred to as Alternative Transfer Methods, provide supplemental sources of revenue and allow farmers to keep their water rights.