The Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors recently approved a groundbreaking conservation agreement with the federal government that will have a significant impact on water conservation efforts in the region. The System Conservation Implementation Agreement (SCIA) with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation aims to leave up to 700,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Mead through 2026. This agreement will provide funding for conservation programs that will help conserve up to 300,000 acre-feet of water annually to support the drought-stricken Colorado River.
One of the key components of the SCIA is the expansion of IID’s existing On-Farm Efficiency Conservation Program and the introduction of a new Deficit Irrigation Program. The On-Farm Efficiency Program incentivizes farmers to implement conservation measures at the field level, while the Deficit Irrigation Program will compensate growers for temporarily idling certain crops. These measures will contribute to the conservation of water resources and support the overall health of the Colorado River.
In addition to the conservation efforts outlined in the SCIA, the agreement also includes funding for Salton Sea restoration projects. This funding, totaling $250 million, will accelerate the construction of dust suppression and aquatic habitat projects in the area. The collaborative relationship between IID and the Bureau of Reclamation has been instrumental in crafting an agreement that benefits both the Colorado River and the Salton Sea.
The approval of the SCIA by the IID Board of Directors is part of a larger effort to address water conservation in the western United States. The Inflation Reduction Act, authorized by Congress in 2022, allocated $4 billion to the Bureau of Reclamation to mitigate drought in the region, with a focus on the Colorado River Basin. The Lower Colorado River Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program, established by the Bureau of Reclamation, provides funding for water conservation initiatives through 2026.
The 2024-2026 SCIA approved by IID is the largest volumetric agreement of its kind in the Colorado River Basin. When combined with previous conservation efforts, IID is on track to conserve over 800,000 acre-feet of water, surpassing California’s commitment to conserve up to 1.6 million acre-feet. These conservation efforts are crucial for ensuring the sustainability of water resources in the region and mitigating the impacts of prolonged drought.
IID’s dedication to water conservation is evident in its track record of success. Since 2003, IID has conserved over 7.7 million acre-feet of water, with significant contributions from programs like the On-Farm Efficiency Conservation Program. Imperial Valley farmers and IID continue to implement advanced irrigation technologies and sustainable farming practices to increase water efficiency and reduce waste. Agriculture remains a vital component of the local economy, with one in every six jobs in the Imperial Valley directly related to farming.
Overall, the approval of the SCIA by the IID Board of Directors represents a significant step towards sustainable water management in the region. By implementing innovative conservation programs and collaborating with federal agencies, IID is leading the way in addressing water challenges and ensuring the long-term health of the Colorado River and the surrounding ecosystems.