Notice
Water right changes made under the provisions of a drought declaration expire at the end of the current year unless extended or terminated by the IDWR Director.
Water Project Loans
The Idaho Water Resource Board’s Water Project Loan Program assists in the development of the state’s water resources through the construction of water projects. Projects eligible for financing include new construction or rehabilitation of existing water projects.
For a complete list of eligibility requirements, program guidelines, loan documents, and staff contact information please visit our Water Project Loans page
Regional Water Sustainability Projects
The IWRB will support the implementation of water sustainability projects, including studies (collectively projects), that provide benefits on a regional, basin-wide, or statewide scale
For further information on the program and its eligibility requirements please visit:
Financial Programs Resources
For more information on other State and Federal agency funding partners and the available programs:
Multi-Agency Funding Training (Day 1)
Multi-Agency Funding Training (Day 2)
IWRB Financial Program Contacts
Loan Program team – for general questions regarding water project loans
Grant Program team – for general questions regarding groundwater conservation grants
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact
Email:
cloudseedingprogram@idwr.idaho.gov
Phone: (208) 287-4852
Other Resources
- North American Weather Modification Council
- Weather Modification Association
- COMET MetEd — How Cloud Seeding Works
- The Ranch Podcast: Idaho Cloud Seeding
- The Ranch Podcast: Cloud Seeding Authorizations & Litigation
- Informational Cloud Seeding Presentations (Committee Mtg. No. 1-25)
- EPA: Information on Contrails from Aircraft
IWRB Financial Program FAQs
How does the loan process work?
The loan process has several steps before loans are submitted to the board for approval.
- Contact the Loan Program team to discuss the project.
- If the project falls under the guidelines, the team asks you to complete a loan form and submit it with the required documents.
- The team reviews your application and verifies your assets for securing the loan.
- The team calculates estimated cost assessments to the borrower at different terms.
- The team presents this information in a memo to the Board at their meeting.
- The board reviews the application and either approves or denies the application.
What is the term of the loan?
The loan term can range from 5 to 60 years. Currently, the average loan term is 10 to 15 years.
What is the interest rate?
The board sets the interest rate at their first meeting each year. Generally, they set two rates: one for irrigation-related projects and one for municipal water systems.
Current Loan Rate: 3.5%
Should the applicant attend the board meeting when the loan application is reviewed?
Yes, we recommended that the applicant or a representative attend the board meeting during the loan application review. Doing so aids the Board should they have any questions which fall outside the scope of the Loan Program team’s memo to the Board.
How do I obtain a loan application?
You can download the application as well as related guidelines and worksheets from the Forms page.
What if I do not use all the loan funds?
You are not required to use all funds appropriated for the loan. Funds that are not used remain in the revolving loan account. However, loan repayment is based on the funds appropriated.
What are the minimum and maximum amounts that can be borrowed?
The minimum amount is $5,000. With changes enacted by the 2007 legislature, there is no longer a maximum cap for loans.
How is repayment scheduled when the overall project was split into smaller projects?
According to Idaho Code § 42-1756, each loan must be repaid upon completion of the project. If one project is completed before the other, repayment for the completed project begins no later than one year from date of completion.
Can additional funds be obtained if the project runs into unforeseeable costs?
In the event that your project runs over budget and additional funds are required, the Board can authorize a loan increase. You must complete an additional application and follow the same funding process. Upon approval, the Board amends and restructures the original loan.
Is there an “early payoff” penalty?
You are responsible to repay the loan’s principle and accrued interest according to the repayment agreement. If you choose to repay the loan earlier than agreed, there is no “early payoff” penalty.
IWRB Financial Program Forms
Water Project Loans
The Idaho Water Resource Board’s financial program assists in the development of the state’s water resources through the construction of water projects
Current Loan Rate: 3.5%
Projects eligible for financing include new construction or rehabilitation of existing water projects. For a complete list of projects eligible for financing, please visit the Financial Program Overview page.
- Loan Program Guidelines
- Sample Loan Application
- Application for Financial Assistance for Potable Water System Construction Project
- Application for Financial Assistance for Non-Potable Water System Construction Project
- Financial Ratios Worksheet (non-calculating)
- Financial Ratios Worksheet (calculating)
- W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
Financial Programs Statistics
For information on previous rounds of grant funding and loan statistics please visit our Financial Programs Statistics page
For Information on Grant & Loan projects please visit our ESRI maps below:
Flood Management Grants
IWRB provides financial assistance on a competitive statewide basis to flood control districts, drainage districts, irrigation districts, canal companies, municipalities, counties, and other public entities interested in pursuing flood damaged stream channel repair, stream channel improvement, flood risk reduction, and flood prevention projects. Pursuing flood damage repair and improvement projects can help prevent or reduce flood damage in Idaho’s streams and rivers. To be considered for grant funding, entities must provide evidence of flood damage or evidence of conditions that create the risk of flooding in a stream channel, and submit a funding request document outlining the proposed repairs and/or improvements to the stream channel. For details about the grant, see House Bill No. 712, Idaho Code §§ 42-1760, and IDAPA 37.02.02.
Accepting Applications through June 3, 2022 (due on the first Friday of June annually)
The IWRB is authorized to award grants for the financing of flood damaged stream channel repair, stream channel improvement, flood risk reduction, and flood prevention projects.
Accepting Applications through June 6, 2025
(due on the first Friday of June annually)
IWRB is authorized to award grants for the financing of flood damaged stream channel repair, stream channel improvement, flood risk reduction, and flood prevention projects.
- Email the Grant Program team for general questions regarding grants
The IWRB provides financial assistance on a competitive statewide basis to flood control districts, drainage districts, irrigation districts, canal companies, municipalities, counties, and other public entities interested in pursuing flood damaged stream channel repair, stream channel improvement, flood risk reduction, and flood prevention projects.
Pursuing flood damage repair and improvement projects can help prevent or reduce flood damage in Idaho’s streams and rivers. To be considered for grant funding, entities must provide evidence of flood damage or evidence of conditions that create the risk of flooding in a stream channel, and submit a funding request document outlining the proposed repairs and/or improvements to the stream channel.
- Grant Criteria
- Updated criteria published March 2025
During its 2022 session, the Idaho legislature appropriated to the Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) $75,000,000 to “be used for expenditures, loans, or grants for water projects, including studies, to address water sustainability, rehabilitate or improve aging water infrastructure or support flood management.”
Projects that rehabilitate or improve Idaho’s water infrastructure support the Idaho economy, provide economic value, and ensures long-term water resource stability and sustainability. The IWRB has developed these criteria to provide financial assistance on a statewide competitive basis through grants to eligible entities interested in pursuing eligible projects to rehabilitate or improve aging water infrastructure.
Eligible Projects: The IWRB defines an aging water infrastructure project as any new project, or new phase of an improvement project intended to repair, maintain, replace, or improve existing infrastructure that supports irrigation water delivery, storage, drainage, treatment, and use of water for irrigation. Projects that are already completed or underway by the application deadline are not eligible for this funding opportunity. Additionally, for purposes of this grant program, the term ‘aging water infrastructure’ does not include municipal drinking or wastewater systems.
Please send completed applications to IWRBGrants@idwr.idaho.gov
Round Applications are due August 1, 2025
Modernizing Idaho’s Water Infrastructure
Project Profiles
The Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) is offering grant funding to be used for water projects targeted at converting lands irrigated from groundwater to surface water irrigation (Conversion Projects).
Applications are due August 1, 2025
Contact
IWRB Grants Team:
Eligible Projects
Projects located in eligible geographic areas that propose to convert from groundwater to surface water irrigation. Hard Conversions are projects that would permanently convert to the use of surface water. Soft Conversions projects would partially convert to the use of surface water but may have to use groundwater when surface water is not available.
Eligible Entities
Groundwater Districts, Irrigation Districts, Irrigation Boards of Control, Canal Companies. Individuals must apply through one of the eligible entities.
Eligible Geographic Area
Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA) area of common groundwater supply
For more information on Groundwater Management Areas see the links below:
Groundwater Management Area Information
Critical Groundwater Management Area Information
The Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) has allocated funding to continue to promote water conservation efforts throughout the Eastern Snake River Plain (ESPA) through the purchase and installation of monitoring equipment, measurement devices, or other supportive infrastructure for ground and surface water diversions
Contact
IWRB Grants Team:
Applications are due the last Friday of September
Eligible Projects
Projects considered under this program are for the purchase and installation of monitoring and measurement equipment for both surface and groundwater diversions within the ESPA. Projects that are completed by the application deadline are not eligible for this program.
Example projects: New monitoring wells, flumes, weirs, telemetry equipment, software development, automation equipment, etc.
Grant Award Limit
Funding under this program will be limited to 50% up to a maximum of $250,000
Eligible Entities
Irrigation Districts, Irrigation Boards of Control, Canal Companies, Drainage Districts, Groundwater Districts, Ditch Companies, Lateral Ditch Users Associations, Reservoir Districts, Municipal Irrigation Districts (formed per Title 42, chapter 18, Idaho Code), Municipalities, Counties and Water Districts
Grant Application Requirements
Grant applications will require the applicant to provide:
- Project background (infrastructure description, repair, rehabilitation, improvement needs/objectives/benefits)
- Project sponsor description (organization type, background, revenue sources, current operations)
- Project description (narrative, map, conceptual plan and design, land entitlements at project location, description of any known environmental issues).
- Equipment cost estimate and project budget
- Project funding sources (IWRB grant, other state and federal grants, sponsor’s contribution)
- Project implementation schedule
- Proof of cost share at the time of application
Project Criteria
Proposals for the purchase of and/or the installation of monitoring equipment, measurement devices, or supporting infrastructure will be scored on the following criteria:
How Does This Project Promote Goals Under the 2024 SWC/Ground Water District Settlement Agreement
- 30 points can be awarded if the applicant can demonstrate how this project will further agreement priorities regarding water resources
Equipment Installation
- Up to 20 points can be awarded if this is a new install of monitoring, telemetry,and/or measurement equipment on the Sponsor’s diversion works
- Up to 10 points can be awarded if this is a retrofit of existing monitoring, telemetry and/or measurement equipment already installed on the Sponsor’s diversion works
Project Implementation Schedule
- 20 points can be awarded if the project will be completed in 1 year
- 10 points can be awarded if the project will be completed in 2 years
- 5 points can be awarded if the project will be completed in subsequent years
Description of Equipment Installed
- 5 points can be awarded if the Sponsor is able to provide a description of the equipment being installed
Project Proposal & Clarity
- Up to 10 points can be awarded if the Sponsor provides a description of the Project and identifies the Project’s need, proposed budget, and public interest
- Up to 5 points can be awarded if the Sponsor can provide plans, timeline, and drawings for the Project
Program Information
The Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) has allocated funding to help surface water entities throughout the Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer (ESPA) area implement innovative operational efficiencies in an effort to improve the demand for surface water. Applications for funding for this program will be accepted year- round
Program Focus
Projects considered under this program include purchasing and installing equipment, conducting efficiency studies, and/or other activities designed to improve operational efficiencies that result in reduction in the demand for surface water
Geographic Area
Limited to surface water diversions within the Snake River Plain Aquifer Area of Common Groundwater Supply are eligible for this program
Contact
IWRB Grants Team
Phone: (208) 287-4900
Completed forms may be submitted by:
E-mail: IWRBGrants@idwr.idaho.gov
Fax: (208) 287-6700
Mail: PO Box 83720 | Boise, ID 83720-0098
Eligible Entities
Irrigation Districts, Irrigation Boards of Control, Canal Companies, Drainage Districts, Groundwater Districts, Ditch Companies, Lateral Ditch Users Associations, Reservoir Districts, Municipal Irrigation Districts (formed per Title 42, chapter 18, Idaho Code), Municipalities, Counties and Water Districts
Funding Limit
Projects funded under this project are eligible for up to 100% funding per project
Funding for projects may be made in annual installments each fiscal year based on the amount of appropriations
Application Requirements
Efficiency Results Likely to Be Achieved
- What are the proposed project goals and how will the project improve operational efficiency. Please provide sufficient details supporting how the efficiency results were determined
- Consideration will be given to potential impacts to the ESPA for the efficiency actions and will be reviewed on a case by case basis
Project Proposal Clarity & Implementation Schedule
- Project sponsor description: organization type, background, current operations, etc.
- Project description
- Proposed project narrative
- Project map, scope of work
- Supporting documents/designs (if appropriate)
- Any other supporting information the applicant would like to include
- Cost estimate and budget
- Project implementation schedule
Additional Project funding sources
- If other funding sources are used to support the project, please provide a list with the agency and funding amount
- Sponsor’s contributions, IWRB grants, other state and federal grants, etc
How Does This Project Promote State and/or Local Priorities
- Demonstrate how this project will support the 2024 SWC agreement
The Idaho Water Resource Board has dedicated $2 million dollars to promote water conservation efforts throughout the Eastern Snake River Plain (ESPA). This program is focused on helping irrigators throughout the ESPA with the costs of purchasing telemetry and monitoring equipment for ground and surface water diversions.
Grant Criteria & Application Instructions
Contact
IWRB Grants Team:
Applications are due the last Friday of September
Eligible Projects
Projects considered under this program are for the purchase of monitoring and telemetry equipment for both surface and groundwater diversions within the ESPA. Projects that are completed by the application deadline are not eligible for this program.
Projects are limited to diversions within the Eastern Snake River Plain Common Groundwater Boundary
Grant Award Limit
Funding under this program will be limited to 50% up to a maximum of $250,000.
Eligible Entities
Groundwater Districts, Irrigation Districts, Irrigation Boards of Control, Canal Companies. Individuals must apply through one of the eligible entities.
Grant Application Requirements
Grant applications will require the applicant to provide:
- Project background (infrastructure description, repair, rehabilitation, improvement needs/objectives/benefits)
- Project sponsor description (organization type, background, revenue sources, current operations)
- Project description (narrative, map, conceptual plan and design, land entitlements at project location, description of any known environmental issues).
- Equipment cost estimate and project budget
- Project funding sources (IWRB grant, other state and federal grants, sponsor’s contribution)
- Project implementation schedule
- Proof of cost share at the time of application
Project Criteria
Proposals for the purchase of automation and/or telemetry equipment will be scored on the following criteria:
Description of Equipment Installed
- 5 points can be awarded if the Sponsor is able to provide a description of the equipment being installed
Telemetry Equipment
- Up to 50 points can be awarded if the project proposes to install telemetry equipment on the Sponsor’s diversion works
Monitoring Equipment
- Up to 30 points can be awarded if the project proposes to install monitoring equipment on the Sponsor’s diversion works
Initial Equipment Installation
- Up to 10 points can be awarded if this is the first installation of telemetry and/or monitoring equipment on the Sponsor’s diversion works
Diversion Rate Monitored and/or Telemetered
- Up to 20 Points will be awarded based on the proposed Project’s total diversion rate to be monitored and/or telemetered.
- Diversions monitored and/or telemetered for each project will be used to create a per round scoring system
Each application will then be scored based on where the proposal falls within that scoring system
Project Proposal & Clarity
- Up to 10 points can be awarded if the Sponsor provides a description of the Project and identifies the Project’s need, proposed budget, and public interest
- Up to 5 points can be awarded if the Sponsor can provide plans, timeline, and drawings for the Project
Projects, including studies, to be undertaken by eligible entities that provide water sustainability on a regional, basin-wide, or statewide scale are eligible to be included on the List. An eligible entity that requests inclusion of the project on the list is a “Project Sponsor.” For projects that are included on the List, the IWRB may 1) help advocate for Federal funding opportunities for these projects, 2) facilitate state funding consideration, and 3) help with letters of support related to necessary funding and/or permitting authorizations. Inclusion on the List is not a funding commitment, but rather a recognition that the project has the potential to help achieve water sustainability. To obtain funding from an existing grant, loan or other funding program, the Project Sponsor will be required to submit the requisite application(s), and the project will be considered for funding pursuant to the procedures and criteria of the program.
Requests to have a project added to the IWRB’s Regional Water Sustainability List are due annually by December 1. Requests shall be submitted to: IWRB-Info@idwr.idaho.gov
More information on how to submit a request can be found here.