Agricultural Water Optimization Task Force
The Agricultural Water Optimization Task Force was formed to identify critical issues facing the state’s long-term water supply, to optimize agricultural water supply for future needs, and to sustain Utah’s vital agriculture industry and heritage. The task force identified obstacles and constraints to optimization and recommended ways to improve the quantification of agricultural water use.
This research will help the state evaluate ways to improve agricultural water use practices, create benefits for farmers, optimize water use and protect water quantity and quality for all uses in the system.
In the 2023 general session the Utah Legislature passed SB 277, which appropriated $200 million for agricultural optimization and created a new committee housed within the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. The task force was given a sunset date of June 2023. The remaining contracts and projects are being transferred to the new committee, which includes the director of the Division of Water Resources or their appointee.

Contact:
Aaron Austin
Agricultural Water Optimization Task Force Admin Support
aaronaustin@utah.gov
Background
HB381 Agricultural Water Optimization
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HB39 Agricultural Water Optimization Task Force Amendments |
Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) Water Optimization Funding Program |
Research Plan for Agricultural Water Optimization in Utah
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Research Needs
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Annual Summaries
Ag Water Optimization Task Force Annual Report (November 2022) This annual report gives an update on the UDAF Ag Water Optimization Funding and the ongoing projects funded by the task force. It includes recommendations for agricultural water optimization investments going forward and notes key obstacles. The additional documents included identify potential research studies and important policy questions to be answered. |
Ag Water Optimization Task Force Annual Report (November 2021) This annual report gives an update on the recent progress made by the task force and recommendations for agricultural water optimization studies and investments going forward. |
Ag Water Optimization Task Force Summary (June 2020)
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Research Studies
Utah Agricultural Water Optimization – Water Savings from Drip Irrigation (December 2021)
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Literature Review of Current & Upcoming Irrigation Technologies and Practices Applicable to Utah (November 2020)
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Depletion Accounting for Irrigation Water Rights in Utah
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Case Study of Emery County Agriculture Water Quantification System Implementation
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Long-term Water Optimization Trials: Stacking Conservation Practices (2019 - ongoing) This is an ongoing study being completed by Utah State University with multiple partners to investigate how different combinations of crop genetics, crop types, tillage, emerging irrigation technologies and irrigation levels can both benefit agricultural production and reduce water consumption. |