First-of-its-kind Water Saving Pilot Project in Alabama

Farmers and Ranchers cope with weather fluctuations as part of the job. Tuning into the local weather at sunrise while habitually scanning the skies throughout the day, they hone their instincts on when to plant and methodically predict the window-of-opportunity for harvest. Every season is marked by the characteristic unpredictability of its weather. For land stewards, this not-so-silent partner has the unique opportunity to make or break a growing season.

Watersheds are the critical resource concern of our time.

Watersheds are the natural source of water for every living thing and require ongoing conservation measures to ensure everyone thrives. In recent years we've seen unprecedented record drought, intense heat, wildfires, severe storms, and unforeseen flooding that have crippled towns and farming communities and impacted our waterways.

As the nation's leading conservation agency, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) works with local soil and water conservation districts, local government agencies and land grant research institutions to explore innovative methods that help offset the effects of climate change and build resiliency into watersheds. In particular, the NRCS Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program's mission is to provide technical and financial assistance to local sponsors (local government agencies and federally-recognized Tribal organizations) for conservation efforts to preserve their watersheds for future generations.

One project is currently underway in Alabama where NRCS has partnered with the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation District (ASWCD) and the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service (ACES) to implement a pilot program called The Alabama Irrigation Initiative to help address unpredictable weather patterns in the state. "This initiative is the first-of-its-kind where WFPO funds are used to convert rain-fed farmland to irrigated farmland by encouraging the adoption of water-saving irrigation systems and techniques such as drip, micro or center pivot irrigation," offers NRCS Alabama State Conservationist Ben Malone. "Using water-efficient practices allows farms to become more sustainable during times of drought."

The initiative has been well received by local farmers who already demonstrate a conservation ethic in their agricultural practices.

Six watersheds have been selected to participate in the pilot project; three watershed plans have been authorized of which two were recently completed. The pilot program aims to install sustainable conservation measures that will prevent soil erosion, protect water quality and the water supply in the state. Eligible producers receive cost-share assistance for irrigation infrastructure installed following the project's guidelines, which include wells, pumps, pipes, center-pivot systems, tow-traveler systems, drip irrigation systems, electrical service, reservoirs, and more. In addition, socially disadvantaged producers receive 75% cost-share and can receive 90% cost share if they install micro-irrigation or plasticulture infrastructure on more than one acre.

In the Middle Tennessee River Valley Watershed program participants have installed irrigation water management components such as weather stations, soil moisture sensors, and flow meters. Innovative software is helping farmers determine how much water to deliver to crops throughout the growing season. With the drought situation this has been a very valuable tool and program for North Alabama producers.

Authorized

• Wheeler Lake watershed with a small portion of the Lower Elk River watershed (dubbed the Middle Tennessee River Valley Watershed Area, North Alabama)
• Middle Alabama River watershed (Central Alabama)
• Upper Choctawhatchee River watershed with a small portion of the Lower Choctawhatchee River and Pea River watershed (dubbed the Choctawhatchee and Pea Rivers Watershed Area, South Alabama)

In-Progress

• Wheeler Lake watershed with a small portion of the Lower Elk River watershed (North Alabama)
• Upper Choctawhatchee River watershed with a small portion of the Lower Choctawhatchee River watershed and Pea River Watershed (South Alabama)
  
  Farmers interested in participating in the initiative are encouraged to contact their local NRCS office. More information can also be found on our partners websites: ASWCD and ACES.

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