The program will reimburse landowners for 65 percent of the cost of installing flow meters. Applications are submitted through local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offices. NRCS technicians will work with landowners to plan and design flow meter installations. Before the meters are installed, the NRD Board of Directors must approve each application for eligibility. The board meets monthly.
Reimbursement is subject to certain limits.
For irrigators who want to make other improvements in their systems, the Conservation Cost-Share Program also includes a practice known as irrigation water management. Participants work with USDA personnel to make changes in their systems, such as installing drop nozzles on center pivot sprinklers, that improve irrigation efficiency. The cost-share rate for improvements made under irrigation water management is 50 percent. The procedure for applying is the same as for flow meters. Applicants should start with the local office of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.