Water Conservation Grant Fund
(Feb. 2025) FUNDING AVAILABLE
The Arizona Office of the Governor has authorized funds to WIFA to facilitate a new round of WCGF grants. The funding available for this grant program is $14.1 million. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2026 (funds completely drawn).
The Arizona Office of the Governor has authorized funds to WIFA to facilitate a new round of WCGF grants. The funding available for this grant program is $14.1 million. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2026 (funds completely drawn).
- Conservation projects may receive up to $250,000
- Conservation programs may receive up to $3 Million
- There is a 25% match requirement for each conservation program or project. Monies from any non-WIFA source may satisfy the match requirement.
A wide range of projects and programs may be eligible for WCGF funding. Some examples include:
- Water use education and conservation research
- Community incentives for rainwater harvesting, gray water systems, and turf removal
- Widespread installation of drought-resistant landscaping and turf removal incentives
- Infrastructure efficiency upgrades
- Projects that promote groundwater recharge and imported aquifer health
- Construction of groundwater storage facilities
- Community education initiatives about wise water use
- Programs or projects to reduce structural water overuse issues
Awards and Highlights
Water Conservation Grant Fund Highlights- 189 Applications with approximately $200 million in funding awarded
- Advanced Meters/System Upgrades: 72 projects, $60,887,160
- Agriculture System Upgrades: 25 projects, $37,308,250
- Education/Research/Studies: 11 projects, $6,434,289
- Efficient Fixtures: 22 projects, $18,194,470
- Recharge/Reuse: 16 projects, $23,995,050
- Turf Removal: 42 projects, $52,995,240
- Vegetation Management: 1 project, $185,545
Water Conservation Grant Committee
The eight-member committee is a geographically diverse group representing various backgrounds and perspectives across the state. This ensures that each region of Arizona is represented, which creates a more equitable and fair decision-making process for WCGF projects and policy.
Committee Members
Kimberly Schonek, Chairman, Arizona Water Program Director, The Nature Conservancy
Representing: County with a population of less than 500,000 persons
Sam Draper, Arizona Policy Manager, Audubon Society
Representing: Advocacy group with a primary focus on water conservation
Erin Young, Water Resources Manager, City of Flagstaff
Representing: Public Water System that Serves 500 or more connections
Blake Anderson, President, Mogollon Water Management
Representing: Public Water System that Serves less than 500 connections
Rhett Larson, Richard Morrison Professor of Water Law, ASU
Representing: County with a population of 500,000 or more persons
Andrea Gerlak, Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, University of Arizona
Representing: University in the state and who has significant knowledge in water conservation
Tim Grandy, Vice-Chairman, Buckeye Valley Natural Resource Conservation District
Representing: Natural resource conservation district
Collin Wogenstahl, Statewide Planning Manager, Az. Dept. of Water Resources
Representing: The Arizona Department of Water Resources
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