EQIP - WaterSMART Initiative

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through partnership with US Department of Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) offered funding to growers to improve water conservation and irrigation water use efficiency. Prioritized projects aim to reduce groundwater withdrawals and improve irrigation efficiency.

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Program Informational Flyer

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This grant opportunity is unique from regular EQIP funding. The WaterSMART funding pool awarded to Fresno Irrigation District is confined to eligible farms within the district boundaries. This means growers compete for funding within a much smaller applicant pool.

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​Funding opportunities included:

• Microirrigation system

• Irrigation ditch lining

• Irrigation pipeline

• Irrigation reservoir

• Irrigation water management

• Mulching

• Cover crop

• Reduced tillage or no-till

• Well decommissioning

• Windbreaks and hedgerows

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Application Process:

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1. Make sure you are enrolled in the Farm Service Agency. This is a prerequisite to apply for EQIP funding. Contact Fresno County’s FSA office at 559-276-7494 to begin the process. 

2. Download and fill out Application Form 1200 here: Form 1200 and Form 1200 Continuation Page.

3. Submit your Form 1200 to the NRCS Fresno Field Office, 4625 W Jennifer Ave. #125, Fresno, CA 93722.

4. Check out the Program Flyer for more information.

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Growers are encouraged to include well meters as part of their project plans, in addition to their other selected practices, when submitting their application to receive financial assistance with meter costs. To be eligible for financial assistance, growers must follow FID's specified ​​Well Meter Requirements. 

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Program Background:

The Fresno Irrigation District is one of four agencies in Fresno and Madera counties selected to receive funding for its growers through the EQIP WaterSMART Initiative. This program partners funds from the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART funding pool for conservation planning and improvement with the well-established EQIP program run by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Funding is intended to improve water conservation and irrigation water use efficiency on eligible farms within FID’s boundaries through farm-scale projects.

 

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Groundwater Recharge Pilot Program

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), as part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), launched a groundwater recharge pilot program.

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​FID growers are encouraged to apply for funding to conduct groundwater recharge on their land under the pilot program. ​

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Applications received in Fall of 2024 were for recharge to be completed in Fall-Winter 2025-26.

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Funding opportunities:

• Basin: $4,032 - $4,232 per acre-foot of storage

• Trench: $3.59 per cubic yard excavated

• On-Farm Recharge:

  • Basic, $115 per acre, per year

  • High intensity, $192 per acre, per year

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To apply:

1. Contact FID’s Watermaster David Burrow at dburrow@fresnoirrigation.com or at (559) 233-7161 to confirm whether your land is eligible to receive flood water. Please complete this step before completing your application.

2. A pre-screening form must also be completed before submitting your application. This form helps determine if a grower is eligible to proceed with the NRCS groundwater recharge pilot program application. FID staff will complete and submit the pre-screening form to NRCS on behalf of the landowner, prior to the final application submittal.

3. Make sure you are enrolled in the Farm Service Agency. This is a prerequisite to apply for funding. Contact Fresno County’s FSA office at 559-276-7494 to enroll. 

4. Download and fill out Application Form 1200 here: Form 1200 and Form 1200 Continuation Page.

5. Submit your Form 1200 to the NRCS Fresno Field Office, 4625 W Jennifer Ave. #125, Fresno, CA 93722.

6. Check out the Program Flyer for more information.

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Program background:

This pilot program comes after the NRCS recognized groundwater depletion as a significant resource concern, resulting in the California NRCS developing two interim practice standards for groundwater recharge. This new groundwater recharge program is under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to evaluate the following Interim Conservation Practice Standards:

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• Groundwater Recharge Basin or Trench (code 815) 

• On-Farm Recharge (code 817) 

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Further information for potential applicants:

Program Overview (2024)

 

Contact the Fresno Service Center at (559) 276-7494 for further information.

 

FID is one of five irrigation districts involved in this pilot project. FID is committed to furthering the path to sustainability, and is thrilled to announce this opportunity for its growers. We strongly encourages members of our district to apply.

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