State Water Efficiency & Enhancement Program
The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) provides financial assistance in the form of grants to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water on California agricultural operations. Eligible system components include (among others) soil moisture monitoring, drip systems, switching to low pressure irrigation systems, pump retrofits, variable frequency drives and installation of renewable energy to reduce on-farm water use and energy.
SWEEP Ad Hoc Sub-Advisory Group
In response to stakeholder request, CDFA’s Environmental Farming Act (EFA) Science Advisory Panel (SAP) has formed an ad hoc sub-advisory group to develop recommendations to address the following questions about SWEEP:
- The program’s ability to help farmers improve water use efficiency – what’s working well and what might the program seek to improve? How might any future program evolve to help farmers address new resource management challenges?
- How might any future program improve participation by operations that have historically faced barriers in accessing or utilizing the program?
- How might promotion and coordination of a program like SWEEP be improved with irrigation districts, groundwater sustainability agencies, USDA-NRCS and other potential partners?
CDFA accepted applications for members of the sub-advisory group from August 5, 2020 through September 7, 2020. At the October 2020 meeting of the EFA SAP the members of the sub-advisory group were recommended for appointment.
Three sub-group meetings have been scheduled for January 28, February 25, and March 25, 2021. Additional information will be posted in the coming weeks.
- January 28, 2021 Meeting Information and Agenda
- February 25, 2021 Meeting Information and Agenda
- March 25, 2021 Meeting Information and Agenda
Draft Report on Recommendations
CDFA is accepting public comment on the Recommendations Report of the SWEEP AAG. Public comment can be submitted by email to cdfa.oefi@cdfa.ca.gov for thirty days. Comments are due by June 16, 2021 at 5 PM.
What is SWEEP?
The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) provides financial assistance in the form of grants to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water on California agricultural operations.
How many projects have been funded so far?
CDFA has selected 835 projects to be awarded covering over 137,000 acres. $81.1 million has been awarded to date, with more than $52.8 million in matching funds contributed by awardees.
What types of projects are eligible?
Eligible system components include (among others) soil moisture monitoring, drip systems, switching to low pressure irrigation systems, pump retrofits, variable frequency drives and installation of renewable energy to reduce on-farm water use and energy.
What have been the benefits of SWEEP?
Along with helping farmers and ranchers save water and reduce their energy costs, SWEEP results in environmental benefits as well. CDFA estimates that over 81,000 metric tons of CO2e will be reduced annually, the equivalent of removing 17,500 cars from the road for one year (based on emissions reductions equivalent). Moreover, SWEEP projects will help save over 117,000 acre-ft of water annually, enough to fill over 70,500 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have questions about SWEEP, please e-mail cdfa.sweeptech@cdfa.ca.gov.
State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program Videos
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The SWEEP Program is not accepting applications.
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Sweep Videos
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Contact Us
Email: cdfa.oefi@cdfa.ca.gov