
Open
Water Program — On-farm water supply
Supports agricultural producers in adopting improved water management practices
Last Update: May 25, 2026
Funding available
$ 40,000
Timeline
- Open Date : April 3, 2023
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
The Water Program - On-farm water supply provides up to $40,000 and up to 50% of eligible costs to help Alberta primary producers improve agricultural water management. Eligible activities include dugout, dam and spring development, on-farm water supply infrastructure, irrigation system upgrades and projects that improve water quality or supply.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 40,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : April 3, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- $ 25,000 minimum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Adoption of improved on-farm water management practices.
- Development or construction of on-farm water supply infrastructure such as dugouts, dams, and spring developments.
- Implementation or upgrading of on-farm irrigation systems.
Documents Needed
- Water Program Application form
- Supporting documents for the selected stream
- Proof of required approvals or licences, if applicable
- Invoices and paid receipts in the applicant’s name
- Construction Sheet for certain water supply projects
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Primary producers operating in Alberta
- Agricultural producers responsible for input costs or agricultural crops for livestock
- Indigenous businesses in the agriculture and food sector
Who is not eligible
- Landlords whose only interest in the crop or livestock is ownership of the land, without direct involvement in agricultural production.
Eligible expenses
- Eligible project costs listed in the On-Farm Irrigation Stream Funding List.
- Eligible project costs listed in the On-Farm Water Supply Stream Funding List.
- Costs for approved water source development, protection, and irrigation improvements.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Expenses incurred before April 1, 2023.
- Activities or costs that do not meet the program terms and conditions or funding list requirements.
- Projects that are not approved under the program.
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Applications are assessed against program eligibility criteria and funding constraints.
- Applicants are notified if their application is received and if information is missing.
- Approval is required before payment is issued.
- Processing timelines are not currently available.
Additional information
- Applicants must obtain an approved Construction Sheet from an Agriculture and Irrigation Water Specialist before starting certain projects, such as dugouts, dams, and spring developments.
- Proof of payment and invoicing under the applicant's legal or company name is required for reimbursement.
- Expenses incurred before April 1, 2023, are not eligible for reimbursement.
- Application processing times are currently unspecified; updates may be provided as available.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Water Program — On-farm water supply Program
What is the Water Program — On-farm water supply?
The Water Program - On-farm water supply provides up to $40,000 and up to 50% of eligible costs to help Alberta primary producers improve agricultural water management. Eligible activities include dugout, dam and spring development, on-farm water supply infrastructure, irrigation system upgrades and projects that improve water quality or supply.
How much funding can be received?
Water Program — On-farm water supply Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $40,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Water Program — On-farm water supply program?
To be eligible for the Water Program — On-farm water supply program, you must:
Must be a primary producer responsible for input costs and producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually.
Must be liable to pay Alberta income or corporate tax on farm income (On-Farm Water Supply Stream).
Not eligible if only interest is land ownership (landlords only).
What expenses are eligible under Water Program — On-farm water supply?
Adoption of improved on-farm water management practices.
Development or construction of on-farm water supply infrastructure such as dugouts, dams, and spring developments.
Implementation or upgrading of on-farm irrigation systems.
Who can I contact for more information about the Water Program — On-farm water supply?
You can contact Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) or by phone at 403-381-5532.
Where is the Water Program — On-farm water supply available?
The Water Program — On-farm water supply program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Water Program — On-farm water supply a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Water Program — On-farm water supply is a Grant and Funding