University of Arizona program helps farmers in Yuma conserve water; here’s how

YUMA, AZ (AZFamily) —A University of Arizona grant program is helping farmers reduce water use, thereby increasing the amount of potable water for Arizonans

University data shows that in the program’s first year, they conserved enough water to fill the size of Tempe Town Lake 12 times.

Irrigated agriculture is the state’s biggest water user, using up about 75% of Arizona’s supply.

It’s why U of A is leading efforts to help farmers and ranchers build more efficient watering systems that save water.

The state of Arizona funds the program and has invested $45 million in water irrigation efficiency so far.

Farmers apply to the program and are then given money to switch from flood irrigation practices to water-saving irrigation systems.

“All of that water actually went behind the dam in Lake Mead, so that was helping keep the lake levels high. So by protecting Lake Mead, we protect the water supply for the entire valley,” said U of A’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Development Director, Ethan Orr. “So this isn’t a divisive issue; this is an issue of if we’re investing in these farmers, we are protecting the ability of CAP to deliver water to Phoenix.”

Orr says they’ve been able to contribute to Lake Mead’s water levels, saving over 20,000 acre-feet of water since March 2023.

Farmers have also been receptive to the program, and they hope more will join the effort. Thirty of the sixty-two farmers who participated in the program’s first cycle are Yuma farmers.

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