Idaho opens $30M of water conservation grants for farmers – KTVB

Idaho Water Resource Board Launches $30 Million Grant Programs to Support 2024 Water Settlement Agreement

Introduction

The Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) has initiated applications for multiple grant programs amounting to $30 million. These programs aim to assist farmers in Eastern Idaho and the Magic Valley in complying with the 2024 Water Settlement Agreement. This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Funding Package Overview

Approved during the IWRB’s May 2026 meeting in Moscow, the funding package is designed to help water users meet settlement terms through water-saving measures and infrastructure improvements. The package includes three new grant programs directly linked to the water agreement, as well as continued support for aging infrastructure and low-interest loans.

New Grant Programs

1. Water Measuring/Monitoring Grant Program

   • Allocated Funding: $1 million
   • Purpose: To promote conservation via automated headgates with telemetry in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer region.
   • Eligibility: Surface and groundwater users in the Area of Groundwater Supply region.
   • Grant Limit: Up to $250,000 with a mandatory 50% matching fund.
   • Application Deadline: August 1, 2026

2. Surface Water Operational Efficiencies Grant Program

   • Allocated Funding: $5 million
   • Purpose: To enhance operational efficiencies for surface water users.
   • Eligibility: Surface Water Coalition members within the Area of Common Groundwater Supply.
   • Matching Funds: Not required
   • Application Period: Open year-round

3. ESPA Groundwater to Surface Water Conversion Projects Grant Program

   • Allocated Funding: $20 million
   • Purpose: To support projects converting groundwater use to surface water use in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA) region.
   • Application Deadline: August 1, 2026

Additional Funding Initiatives

• Aging Infrastructure Grants Program (Round 6)
  • Allocated Funding: $20 million
  • Grant Limit: Up to $2 million per applicant
  • Matching Funds: 50% required
  • Application Deadline: August 1, 2026
• Low-Interest Loan Program

  The board continues to offer an ongoing low-interest loan program to support water projects, further promoting sustainable water management.

Call to Action

Neeley Miller, Senior Water Resource Planner and Grants Administrator for the IWRB, emphasized the unprecedented level of funding available for water efficiency, conservation, and modernization projects. She encouraged water users to carefully review the application criteria and submit their applications promptly to take advantage of these opportunities.

Contact Information

For applications and further information, interested parties may contact the grants team at IWRBgrants@idwr.idaho.gov.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on water resource management, conservation, and infrastructure improvements to comply with a water settlement agreement, directly relating to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Water efficiency and conservation projects promote sustainable use of natural resources, aligning with responsible consumption and production patterns.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Improving water management in the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer region supports sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and freshwater resources.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6 Targets
   • 6.4: Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors to ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater.
   • 6.5: Implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including transboundary cooperation as appropriate.
   • 6.a: Expand international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programs.
2. SDG 12 Targets
   • 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
3. SDG 15 Targets
   • 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Water Measuring/Monitoring Grant Program
   • Use of automated headgates with telemetry implies measurement of water flow and usage efficiency, which can be linked to indicators such as Proportion of water bodies with good ambient water quality and Water use efficiency.
2. Grant Programs Funding and Application Metrics
   • Number and amount of grants awarded, and percentage of matching funds contributed, can serve as indicators of investment in water infrastructure and conservation efforts.
3. Infrastructure Improvement Indicators
   • Progress in aging infrastructure grants and conversion projects can be measured by indicators such as Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services and Extent of water-related infrastructure modernization.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: ktvb.com