The Great Salt Lake has seen a significant decline in surface elevation, dropping over 11 feet due to water withdrawals from the three major rivers supplying it, which account for 45% of annual surface flows. Restoring the lake’s water levels is critical for wildlife habitat, preventing harmful dust storms, and maintaining regional precipitation patterns. In response, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) established the Agricultural Water Optimization Program (AWOP) to help farmers improve irrigation efficiency. With subsidiary drip irrigation (SDI), water loss due to evaporation can be nearly eliminated. Netafim and partners are supporting a Box Elder County alfalfa farm with 80 acres to implement SDI, aiming for water savings of 0.5 acre-feet per acre based on a 2021 study by Utah State University Extension.
Minor Basin: Lower Bear / Malad
-
Bear River Canal Company Measurement and Telemetry Project Phase 1
The Bear River Canal Company (BRCC) is implementing the Measurement and Telemetry Project to install flume gates, slip meters, and telemetry equipment at 14 canal sites in Box Elder County, Utah. This project aims to improve irrigation efficiency by automating water flow monitoring and reducing manual adjustments, which currently result in significant water loss due to over-allocation and spills. The project will benefit local environmental interests, including the Bear River Bird Refuge and recreational duck clubs, by optimizing water distribution, reducing contamination, and improving water quality. This will also enhance water management, providing more efficient use of water resources across BRCC’s 126 miles of canals.