How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $40000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Water Program — On-farm water supply?

Water Program — On-farm water supply is funded by Government of Alberta, Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)

What are Water Program — On-farm water supply's eligibility criterias?

Applicant must be a primary producer operating in Alberta responsible for at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually. Continuous liability to pay Alberta income tax or corporate tax on income from farm commodities under applicable tax acts.

Water Program — On-farm water supply

Last Update: July 22, 2025

AB, Canada

Funding to enhance water management on Alberta farms

Water Program — On-farm water supply at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $40,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : April 3, 2023

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Grant Providers

Government of Alberta
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)

Program status

Open

Overview of the Water Program — On-farm water supply program

Get a grant of up to $15,000 to cover up to 25% of the costs of standard incentive projects and up to $20,000 to cover up to 50% of the costs of special incentive projects for the period April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides financial support to primary producers for on-farm water management projects with specific cost-sharing and funding limits. The modalities are structured to assist in the efficient management and use of water resources.

Co-financing of up to 50% for eligible expenses under both On-Farm Irrigation Stream and On-Farm Water Supply Stream projects.
Maximum funding of $35,000 per fiscal year for On-Farm Irrigation Stream projects, with specific limits on purchases and upgrades per parcel.
Maximum funding of $40,000 per applicant for On-Farm Water Supply Stream projects from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028.
Standard and special incentives are applied to On-Farm Water Supply Stream projects, varying by project specifics.

Eligible projects & activities

The Water Program is designed to enhance water management in agriculture by supporting primary producers. Projects revolve around irrigation improvements and water supply solutions tailored to the specific needs of agricultural operations.

Development and enhancement of on-farm irrigation systems, including purchases and upgrades to increase water use efficiency.
Construction of dugouts, dams, and spring developments for improved on-farm water supply management.
Implementation of innovative agricultural water supply solutions to ensure reliability and quality of water resources.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 7,500

Development of a new spring to support livestock water needs

$ 12,500

Purchase of new on-farm irrigation system to enhance water efficiency

$ 10,000

Implementation of special water supply incentive project focusing on solar-powered irrigation

$ 17,500

Construction of a new dugout for enhanced water storage

$ 9,000

Installation of a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water supply

$ 10,000

Upgrade of existing irrigation systems to conserve water and increase efficiency

Eligibility criteria of the Water Program — On-farm water supply program

Eligibility for this grant requires the applicant to meet certain criteria based on their role as primary producers and their operational specifics.

The applicant must be a primary producer operating in Alberta.
The applicant must be responsible for input costs or agricultural crops for livestock producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually.
The applicant cannot be a landlord whose only interest is ownership of the land.
For the On-Farm Irrigation Stream, the applicant must own an irrigated agricultural operation in Alberta.
For the On-Farm Irrigation Stream, the applicant must not have been previously approved for payment from the program for the same project type for the parcel described in the application.
For the On-Farm Water Supply Stream, the applicant must be liable to pay Alberta income tax or corporate tax (or claim losses) on income from the production of farm commodities under the Income Tax Act (Canada) or the Alberta Corporate Tax Act.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for the Water Program under the On-Farm Irrigation Stream and On-Farm Water Supply Stream must be primary producers operating in Alberta. For the On-Farm Irrigation Stream, applicants must:1. Be responsible for input costs or agricultural crops for livestock, producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually.2. Not be landlords who only own the land without active engagement in crop or livestock production.3. Own an irrigated agricultural operation in Alberta.4. Have not been previously approved for payment from the program for the same project type for the parcel described in the application.For the On-Farm Water Supply Stream, applicants must:1. Be primary producers responsible for input costs or agricultural crops for livestock, producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually.2. Not be landlords who only own the land without active engagement in crop or livestock production.3. Be liable to pay Alberta income tax or corporate tax (or claim losses) on income from the production of farm commodities under the Income Tax Act (Canada) or the Alberta Corporate Tax Act.Indigenous applicants are also encouraged to apply, with the province supporting the success of Indigenous businesses in the agriculture and food sector through flexible program measures. Primary producers, including Indigenous businesses, must contact program staff for inquiries and assistance regarding the application process and eligibility requirements.

Eligible expenses

The Water Program in Alberta supports projects that focus on improving agricultural water management practices. These activities are designed to mitigate risks to water quality, efficiently use water resources, and adapt to climate variability.

On-Farm Irrigation System Purchases at 50% of eligible expenses, up to $17,500 per parcel.
On-Farm Irrigation System Upgrades at 50% of eligible expenses, up to $6,000 per parcel.
Development of On-Farm Water Supply systems, such as dugouts, dams, and springs, following consultations with Agriculture and Irrigation Water Specialists.
Projects that have received confirmation through a Construction Sheet that they meet legislative and program requirements.
Any project requiring proof of application for a water licence from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to primary producers operating specifically within the province of Alberta, Canada. This geographical focus targets the region for better water management practices in agriculture.

Alberta

Eligibility criteria of the Water Program — On-farm water supply program

The grant will evaluate applications based on specific eligibility criteria associated with the funding streams, and the selection process will consider the projects' alignment with legislative and program requirements, focusing on eligible activities and budget constraints.

Eligibility of the applicant as a primary producer operating in Alberta
Responsibility for input costs or agricultural crops for livestock producing at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually
Ownership of an irrigated agricultural operation in Alberta (for On-Farm Irrigation Stream)
Liability to pay Alberta income tax or corporate tax on income from farm commodities (for On-Farm Water Supply Stream)
No previous approval for payment from the program for the same project type for the parcel described in the application
Approval from an Agriculture and Irrigation Water Specialist for dugouts, dams, and spring developments
Proof of application for water license (or amendment) from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas for some projects
Compliance with all applicable federal and provincial legislation
Submission of a completed application form with supporting documents
Adherence to program funding constraints and eligibility criteria

How to apply to the Water Program — On-farm water supply program

Check Eligibility

Review the Water Program Terms and Conditions to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
Confirm that your proposed activities are eligible by referencing the On-Farm Irrigation Stream Funding List and the On-Farm Water Supply Stream Funding List.

Complete Application Form

Complete and sign the Water Program Application form.

Submit Application Form

Gather supportive documents to accompany your application.
Submit the completed Application Form and supporting documents via email to the respective stream emails, [email protected] for the Irrigation Stream or [email protected] for the Water Supply Stream.
You may also submit your application by mail to the addresses provided:
Sustainable-CAP Water Program, Natural Resource Innovation Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, Agriculture Centre, 100, 5401 1 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4V6.
Sustainable-CAP Water Program, Program Delivery Section, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, 7000 113 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5T6.
A fax submission is also possible at 403-381-5765.

Confirmation of Receipt

If you submit via email, expect a confirmation email upon receipt of your application; contact by phone if confirmation is not received.
If submitting by mail or fax, you will receive a notification by phone or email.

Address Missing Information

If your application is missing information, anticipate a notification via email or phone requesting submission of the missing details.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Submission of a completed application does not guarantee funding.
Proof of application for a water licence or amendment may be required.
Invoices must be under the Legal Name on your application and dated after April 1, 2023.
There is no guarantee of reimbursement if the application is not approved.
Contact with appropriate agencies must be initiated prior to project start.
Applicants must provide proof of payment or 10% down payment for eligible expenses.
Agriculture and Irrigation Water Specialist approval is required for certain projects.
Funding is limited and considered on a case-by-case basis.

Contact Government of Alberta

403-381-5532

Apply to this program

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