Agricultural Programs

The Agricultural Water Management Program provides services and incentives for agricultural customers in the SDCWA service area. For more details on the programs listed below or to schedule a free on-site evaluation, call Mission Resource Conservation District at (760) 728-1332.

Irrigation System Evaluations – These free on-site evaluations are available for agricultural properties with at least one acre of irrigated crops or trees. Emission uniformity and pressure readings are determined for each system and recommendations are provided along with crop data and technical information about the types of irrigation equipment in use.

Agricultural Irrigation Efficiency Program – The AIEP offers opportunities to local farmers to improve on-farm irrigation system efficiencies. The intent of the program is to provide farmers with technical assistance and cost-sharing as reimbursement for recommended irrigation system equipment retrofits that improve distribution uniformity and efficiency. Program participants will receive a detailed report which provides current irrigation system efficiency levels and recommends improvements that integrate the use of efficient irrigation technology, components and irrigation scheduling practices. Growers will receive an itemized list of suggested components and a 50% cost share estimate. Growers will receive an itemized list of suggested components and reimbursement up to $550 per acre or $5,000 per property. For more details or to schedule a site evaluation, call the Mission Resource Conservation District at (760) 728-1332.

Soil Moisture Sensor System Rebate Program – The Soil Moisture Sensor Rebate Program provides a cost-share incentive for agricultural properties with at least one acre of irrigated crops or trees to install soil moisture sensors that measure soil moisture content in the active root zone on your property. This service includes a free irrigation system evaluation with system recommendations and electro-conductivity mapping to assist growers with the adoption of advanced irrigation water management practices. Reimbursement for the purchase price of soil moisture sensor system is available up to a maximum of $5,000 per property. Contact Mission Resource Conservation District for more information.

In addition, rebates through the SoCal Water$mart program may be available for eligible soil moisture sensor systems that include a sensor and a calibrator (these are typically packaged together in the same device) and an irrigation controller. Rebates start at $80 or $35 per irrigation sensor for large residential sites. Visit SoCal Water$mart for more information.