Agricultural Water Conservation Grants

The Agricultural Water Conservation Grants Program, administered by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), provides funding to support water-saving projects that align with the Texas state water plan. TWDB is a state agency responsible for water planning, financial assistance, and infrastructure funding across Texas. Through this program, TWDB aims to encourage innovative agricultural practices that enhance irrigation efficiency, improve resilience to climate variability, and promote sustainable water use in agriculture. Since its inception in 1985, the program has funded hundreds of initiatives aimed at conserving water resources in agricultural operations. The FY 2026 Agricultural Water Conservation Grants will allocate up to $1.5 million from the Agricultural Water Conservation Fund. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions and state agencies, as defined by Texas Administrative Code § 367.2. While a local cost match is encouraged, it is not required. Projects must qualify as either a conservation program or conservation project under §§ 367.2 and 367.3 of the Texas Administrative Code. Examples of fundable initiatives include irrigation system improvements, rainwater harvesting, irrigation monitoring software, and regenerative agricultural practices. Each funded project must support implementation of strategies identified in the Texas state or regional water plans. Applications are evaluated based on their potential to achieve key conservation goals: improving irrigation efficiency, promoting innovation in water-saving technologies, and increasing agricultural resilience to extreme weather events. Successful applications will detail the methodology used to quantify water savings, demonstrate producer engagement through education or outreach, and include metrics for measuring improvements in irrigation and soil health. Projects are also expected to assess the long-term sustainability and return on investment for the practices employed and should build upon existing water conservation successes. TWDB emphasizes leveraging local, state, federal, and private industry funding to maximize impact. Eligible costs include those directly tied to the project—planning, equipment, installation, monitoring, reporting, and outreach activities. Indirect costs, including overhead, are not eligible for reimbursement or considered as part of any voluntary match. All proposed out-of-state travel must be pre-approved by TWDB, and travel costs are reimbursable only within state-authorized limits. Applicants must submit their complete digital applications to TWDB by 2:00 p.m. CST on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Submissions must follow the Agricultural Water Conservation Grant Application format, available through the TWDB website or by contacting program staff. The submission must include a copy to Erika Mancha, Director of Conservation and Innovative Water Technologies, via email at [email protected]. Questions about eligibility or contracts can be directed to [email protected]. Award announcements are anticipated in July 2026. TWDB reserves the right to partially fund proposals, negotiate terms with selected applicants, or reject any or all applications. Final project scopes, deliverables, and budgets will be negotiated after selection. Recipients must also certify compliance with various Texas laws concerning firearms regulations, public camping bans, and firearm suppressor rules depending on their organizational type. The program does not include any pre-application requirements such as letters of intent. There are, however, informational webinars scheduled prior to the deadline for interested applicants.

Emphasize measurable water savings and demonstrate alignment with the state water plan. Build upon existing conservation successes.