Irrigation Metering

The Texas Water Development Board's voluntary irrigation metering program is a long-term collaborative effort with groundwater conservation districts and agricultural producers to measure irrigation water use at local sites representative of larger geographic areas.

TWDB has provided funding for flow meters through various sources of funds over the years. The initial source of funding for this program was in the form of a Regional Water Planning Grant for Region A (the Panhandle). In subsequent years, metering equipment was purchased with capital equipment funds and competitive agricultural water conservation grants.

Since the program began in 1999, sixteen unique entities have participated and received funding for irrigation metering equipment. Annual reporting of water savings and data on crop type, acreage, and water use for each metered irrigation system is required. Typical agreements last from 5 to 10 years.

Producers receive flow meters at a reduced cost through local cost-share programs, and the average producer may reduce their irrigation water use simply as a result of having a metered system. Groundwater Conservation Districts and other participating entities receive data on actual irrigation withdrawals that aid in planning and management of water resources, potentially leading to improved conservation efforts. TWDB receives summary reports that are valuable for comparison to irrigation water use estimates.

Read Irrigation Metering and Water Use Estimates: A Comparative Analysis, 1999 - 2007

If you are interested in more information about the TWDB voluntary irrigation metering program please contact TWDB Agricultural Conservation.