Irrigator SWAP
As part of the Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District’s (DSWCD) Soil and Water Assistance Program (SWAP), DSWCD will be offering an on-farm irrigation infrastructure financial assistance program to support private landowners, farmers, or land managers (landholders) with on-farm irrigation water conservation and efficiency improvements.
Funded applicants will be reimbursed at a 75% cost share or up to $60,000 per landholder, whichever is less.
The program will fund on-farm irrigation improvements including but not limited to:
Flood To Sprinkler Conversion
Wheel Line To Pivot/Linear Upgrade
Conveyance Piping and Pond liners
Pump upgrade and VFD
Soil Moisture Meters & Irrigation Management Tools
Eligibility
Private landholders’ irrigated acres must be located in Deschutes County.
Irrigated land must have certified water right with ODRW or Irrigation District.
Applicant must be landowner or landholder has legal management authority of land for at least two years with landowner consent.
Proposed project infrastructure must not be currently installed or purchased.
Irrigated lands or project must not be under active NRCS contract for irrigation.
FAQ
No, you do not have to buy new equipment; however, irrigation equipment can’t have been used for chemigation. Inspection by qualified irrigation supplier will be required for used equipment.
Lawns are eligible for water conservation funding but agricultural use will be prioritized over ornamental use. If you are in the city, your property needs to have an
active water right with OWRD/ Irrigation District to be eligible .
Like most government programs, we operate on a reimbursement schedule that is released after full program implementation and verification.
We are only accepting applications for new system improvements and we hope that we can assist with future upgrades and efficiencies you may have.
Still have questions? Reach out!