Reclamation District No. 108, winner of the 2008 Regional Directors' Award from the US Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region, began a creative incentive program to help engage farmers to conserve water on the farm.

In recent years, the District has introduced a number of conservation programs intended to reduce the amount of non-beneficial use of water at the farm level.  The benefits to reducing wasted can be seen in reduced pumping costs for the District as well as improved water quality in both the supply and drainage canals.  Farmer participation is rewarded with rebate incentive.

RD 108 is surrounded by levees that has to pump water into the district and pump all tailwater and stormwater out of the district.  Therefore, actions to reduce drainage also reduce pumping and electrical costs for the District.  RD 108's Water Conservation Program compensates water users who take actions that help reduce District diversions or drainage water and their associated costs.  The District offers several rebates programs and invites new suggestions for water saving opportunities. 

Listed below are the Water Conservation Actions:

PROGRAM A.  REDUCED SPILL DURING THE MAINTENANCE SEASON
The District standard drainage spill from a rice field during maintenance flooding is 1-inch over a 36-inch board for every 100 acres.  Program A uses a notched board to reduce this flow by 50%.  The notched board will be monitored periodically throughout the season for compliance.  Program A saves approximately 1/2 cubic-feet per second or 1 acre-foot per day during themaintenance period.  Program A pays participants an $8 per acre rebate.

PROGRAM B.  ELIMINATION OF SPILL DURING THE MAINTENANCE SEASON
Program B is similar to the above, but eliminates spill water completely by using plastic or dirt to prevent water from exiting through the field's flash board drainage riser.  Program B saves approximately 1 cubic-foot per second or 2 acre-feet per day during the maintenance period.  Program B pays participants $12 per acre rebate.

PROGRAM C.  REDUCING VOLUME WHEN DRAINING A FIELD
Program C requires participants to shut off water at the turnout 4 days prior to draining the rice field.  Shutoff of the water and pulling of boards would be documented by the District Waterman and Water Conservation Coordinator.  Program C is only applicable to the final draining of the field at the end of the irrigation season.  Program C pays participants $3 per acre rebate.

Program D.  PURCHASE OF WATER BY THE ACRE-FOOT
Landowner may purchase district irrigation water by the acre-foot.  The price for 2010 will be $12 per acre-foot.  Program D requires the landowner to pay the standard irrigation rates.  At the end of the irrigation season, the total cost calculated at $12 per acre-foot will be subtracted from the regular payment total and the difference will be refunded to the water user.