1. (1) maintain viable agriculture while reducing water depletion to enhance water availability and minimize impacts on water supply, water quality, and the environment;
2. (2) provide increased operational flexibility to agricultural water users;
3. (3) provide the opportunity for saved water to be considered a beneficial use if a change application is filed with the State Engineer;
4. (4) provide additional nonuse protection if a change application is filed; and

5. (5) improve water quantification through:

   1. (a) showing accurate, real-time measurements of water use; and
   2. (b) documenting actual water savings in cubic feet per second (CFS) or acre feet.

To increase agricultural water optimization, the Commission shall provide grants in accordance with Sections 73-10g-201 through 73-10g-208 that:

KEY: agriculture, water optimization, grants, reporting, ranking criteria, agricultural water

Date of Last Change: May 8, 2026

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 73-10g-205; 73-10g-206