Video & Transcript Research : 'irrigation'
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WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, June 11, 2026 - AM
Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- of irrigation districts doing.
- irrigation the association of irrigation irrigation the association of irrigation districts<03:19
- It's Wade's here for the irrigation districts, so the irrigation district can make those decisions.
- It's Wade's here for the irrigation districts, so the irrigation district can make those decisions.
- The irrigation district has.
TX
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There's about 23 irrigation districts.
- We still need water for irrigation.
- I'm sorry, farmers are not using irrigation right now.
- Since they're not using irrigation, they're not pulling water.
- And so maybe you're not getting a very good irrigation system.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Jan 28th, 2025
House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And so what I'm concerned about is we have such ...we have great irrigation and historical irrigation
- Why should somebody that has... as the potential to irrigate their land.
- Right now, you can buy drought insurance, and you can insure your irrigated crop.
- Yes, the irrigation districts are distinct.
- In my irrigation district, so much of that is going to depend on water.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- off on irrigation for a while and then irrigating just to see how different patterns of irrigation would
- off on irrigation for a while and then irrigating just to see how different patterns of irrigation would
- off on irrigation for a while and then irrigating just to see how different patterns of irrigation would
- off on irrigation for a while and then irrigating just to see how different patterns of irrigation would
- off on irrigation for a while and then irrigating just to see how different patterns of irrigation would
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/10/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:53:32.120>
equipment specializing in irrigation equipment specializing in irrigation equipment - I have been in the irrigation landscape industry since 1982.
- I am a certified irrigation designer and certified landscape irrigation auditor.
- irrigate landscapes. irrigate landscapes.
- <01:08:28.720>
with make sense for us to be irrigating with make sense for us to be irrigating
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So, you know, we moved really hard in agriculture to become, you know, drip irrigations.
- Historically, there was a great advantage to using that flood irrigation.
- We're just flood irrigating again, basically, what we did. And we're able to do it on the vine.
- We're just flood irrigating again is basically what we did. And we're able to do it on the vine.
- And putting back flood irrigation isn't as evil as we all thought it was in the past.
Summary:
The hearing focused on oversight of AB 658 and the State Water Resources Control Board’s five-year temporary permits for groundwater recharge. Assembly Member Arambula and committee members discussed how the permits are intended to help capture high flows during wet periods, support SGMA implementation, and store water underground for later use. The State Water Board chair said the five-year permits have become an important tool, with seven five-year permits issued this season and over 43,000 acre-feet authorized, but noted that actual recharge depends on hydrology and that the board is open to improvements.
Members and witnesses discussed several possible changes to make the program more effective: allowing a two-year delay before the five-year permit clock starts, codifying CEQA exemptions that have been used through executive order, and shifting from a public objection model to a public comment model to reduce delays. There was also discussion of water availability analyses, with some members asking whether the state could develop a broader statewide assessment to reduce consultant costs and make permitting more predictable. The board said such an effort would be large and costly, but could potentially save applicants money and improve consistency.
District representatives described their experiences. Stockton East said the five-year permit was more cost-effective than repeated 180-day permits, but that the 90-20 methodology, consultant costs, and a burrowing owl survey condition made use difficult. Omaha-Hartnell Water District said its recharge work depends on simple, low-cost infrastructure and that five-year permits, CEQA reform, and lower upfront fees would help small districts. A consultant working with Scott Valley and Sierra Valley said five-year permits can work well in different basins, but local infrastructure, stakeholder coordination, streambed alteration agreements, and upstream flow constraints can limit recharge. Members also raised concerns about basin connectivity, downstream water rights, and the need to pair recharge with sustainable groundwater pumping and broader water storage planning.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not uncommon to see a $4,000 per acre differential in land values for irrigated ground and non-irrigated
- Uh we have a lot of irrigation drainage.
- <00:10:00.000>
irrigated <00:10:00.520>ground <00:10:00.920>and irrigated irrigated - ground and irrigated irrigated ground and non-irrigated<00:10:01.840>
ground. - And I'll What I non-irrigated ground.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:30
HB 571 Discussion 01:29
HB 571 Roll Call Vote 04:02
HB 542 Discussion 06:01
HB 542 Roll Call Vote 10:21
HB 142 Discussion 13:30
HB 142 Roll Call Vote 22:47
HB 212 Discussion 24:00
HB 212 Roll Call Vote 25:40
HB 658 Discussion 27:01
HB 658 Roll Call Vote 32:02, 958, all
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources Jan 29th, 2026 at 09:07 am
House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Looking at the infrastructure failure, particularly coming from an organization, an acequia irrigation
- assume irrigation is for crops.
- district, the Elephant Butte Irrigation District, that we have a pending U.S.
- When EBID says we have two days of irrigation, whatever it may be, maybe they have some ag wells.
- In southern New Mexico, we use irrigation ditches.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- no state guidance exists on capturing and utilizing urban stormwater for non-potable uses like irrigation
- no state guidance exists on capturing and utilizing urban stormwater for non-potable uses like irrigation
- State Water Resources Control Board to develop guidelines for capture and use of stormwater for irrigation
- As a result, precious potable water supplies are being used to irrigate turf.
- As a result, precious potable water supplies are being used to irrigate turf.
Summary:
The Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee met to adopt its rules, establish quorum, and approve a consent calendar of five bills, all sent to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee then heard three measures: AB 638 by Assembly Member Rodriguez on stormwater capture for irrigation of urban public lands; AB 60 by Assembly Member Papin on banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products; and AB 916 by Assembly Member Lee on restricting certain antibacterial soap ingredients in consumer hand soaps and body washes.
AB 638 was presented as a climate and water-supply measure directing the State Water Resources Control Board to develop guidelines for capturing and safely reusing stormwater for irrigation. Supporters, including NRDC and several environmental groups, argued it would reduce potable water use and help move stalled projects forward. The bill drew no opposition and received strong support from committee members, including requests to coauthor. It passed the committee on a due pass motion to Appropriations.
AB 60 would ban synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products due to health and environmental concerns. Supporters cited endocrine disruption, reproductive harms, persistence in waterways, and international restrictions. The bill passed on a due pass motion to the floor, with one member not voting. AB 916 generated the most debate: supporters said the three targeted antimicrobials offer no added benefit over plain soap, may contribute to health harms and antibiotic resistance, and should be banned in consumer products while exempting health care settings. Opponents argued the ingredients are already under FDA and DTSC review, raised preemption concerns, and warned of costs and impacts on food handling and other uses. After extensive discussion, the committee approved AB 916 on a due pass motion to the Committee on Health, with several no votes.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Wed Feb 12, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:22:08.240>
positions transfer Thea's irrigation positions transfer Thea's irrigation positions - The East Kawai irrigation system, Kawai ADC COC irrigation is Kawai, and the Kaha irrigation is Kawai
- I appreciate the clarification. irrigation system Kawai ADC COC irrigation system Kawai ADC COC irrigation
- is Kawai and the kaha irrigation is Kawai and the kaha irrigation<00:29:53.480>
is <00:29:53.679 - um well water and it provides irrigation um well water and it provides irrigation water<00:38:41.800
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on Water Supply During Drought Jun 11th, 2025
Joint Legislative Committee on Water Supply During Drought
Transcript Highlights:
- Election of the new chair and vice chair, followed by the updates from Rosa Irrigation District and Can-attach
- Okay, so next on the agenda is going to be the Rosa Irrigation District, Sage Park, Policy Director.
- So Rosa Irrigation District is located in central Washington, more towards the southern part.
- We have 72,000 irrigated acres with 450 miles of canal. Our total crop value is...
- So going into the 2025 irrigation season, it's not so great right now.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Water Supply During Drought opened its 2025 meeting by electing new leadership. After brief discussion of the committee’s membership and the usual practice of alternating leadership between chambers and parties, members unanimously elected Senator Ron Mazzal as chair and Representative Christine Reeves as vice chair. The outgoing chair, Representative Ybarra, continued presiding for the remainder of the meeting at Senator Mazzal’s request.
The committee then heard a presentation from Sage Park of the Rosa Irrigation District on the severe 2025 water year. Park said Rosa is facing very low reservoir levels, declining water supply forecasts, and an earlier-than-planned end to the irrigation season. She described the district’s conservation and drought response measures, including canal shutdowns, pump-backs, leased water, on-farm fallowing and water pooling, emergency well permits, and long-term investments in piping, sealant, drip irrigation, and storage. Park also urged continued emergency drought funding, more efficient state lease funding processes, and support for water releases that benefit fish during drought conditions.
Urban Eberhard then presented on the Kittitas Reclamation District and the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan. He described widespread on-farm conservation, reduced acre allocations, early shutoffs expected in late summer, and ongoing infrastructure work such as piping, lining, telemetry, and the Springwood reservoir project. He emphasized that these projects are intended to improve water delivery, support fish flows, and provide future storage, including possible hydroelectric generation as part of feasibility work. In response to a question, he said the districts are monitoring aquifer impacts from canal lining and are working on managed aquifer recharge to direct conserved water to beneficial groundwater areas. No additional votes or formal actions were taken after the leadership elections.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 10th, 2026 at 12:22 pm
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- is that called, community ditch irrigation infrastructure or the Irrigation Works Construction Fund,
- you will, to water and to irrigation in other parts of the state.
- And we have to keep putting money into the Irrigation Works Construction Fund.
- Irrigation Works Construction Fund.
- This irrigation I've got the story right or not.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on Water Supply During Drought Nov 10th, 2025
Joint Legislative Committee on Water Supply During Drought
Transcript Highlights:
- So everything that's irrigated over here doesn't work like it does in the Yakima River Basin because
- we're irrigated.
- So everything that's You're getting over here. or things, but we do have our irrigation system that's
- because we're irrigated.
- In terms of approximate numbers for Rosie Irrigation District and their leases, that was just over a
Summary:
The committee heard first from Deputy State Climatologist Karen Bumbacco, who reviewed the weather and snowpack conditions that contributed to Washington’s 2025 drought. She said the state had a very warm and dry water year, with April through September ranking among the warmest and driest periods on record, and that three straight years of below-normal snowpack and precipitation had compounded drought impacts, especially in the Yakima Basin. She also explained that a weak La Niña could bring a wetter-than-normal winter, though temperature forecasts were less certain, and noted that long-term climate projections point to continued snowpack decline and earlier runoff timing.
Department of Ecology staff Rea Burns and Caroline Melor then described the state’s drought declaration process and response. They said Washington’s statutory drought threshold is less than 75% of normal water supply plus a hardship finding, and that Ecology extended the Yakima drought declaration in April and expanded it statewide in June. They discussed reliance on federal monitoring data and staffing at NRCS, USGS, Reclamation, and NOAA, and said federal staffing and funding instability has created concerns for snowpack and water data. They also reviewed drought response funding, noting that grants have supported projects in the Yakima and Dungeness basins and that the drought emergency account still has a balance available for current needs.
Burns gave a detailed update on the Yakima Basin, saying it experienced unprecedented conditions this year, including nearly empty reservoirs, curtailment orders sent to about 1,500 water users, and the first time even the most senior 1855 surface water rights were turned off. She said widespread compliance occurred, though the process exposed areas for improvement, especially coordination with federal partners. Committee members asked about the long-term basis for climate projections, the 75% drought threshold, federal impacts, drought insurance, reservoir storage, and whether the state should consider more drought funding or new storage projects. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Finance Sub Committee Nov 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- In this settlement, the Elderbeet Irrigation District has representation here.
- be used for irrigation purposes.
- Irrigation district.
- We've got a number of board members from the Elephant Butte Irrigation District.
- I'm the current president of Bellevue Irrigation District.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- What we don't want to do is irrigate to the point where we're moving it too deeply.
- What we don't want to do is irrigate to the point where we're moving it too deeply.
- You've got to have short intervals, short irrigation intervals, multiple irrigation events over the course
- You've got to have short intervals, short irrigation intervals, multiple irrigation events over the course
- You've got to have short intervals, short irrigation intervals, multiple irrigation events over the course
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and heard three presentations focused on Florida aquaculture, agricultural nutrient reduction, and land preservation. First, clam farmer Tim Solano of Cedar Key described the economic and environmental importance of the state’s clam industry, noting Florida’s strong national production, the industry’s recovery role after the net ban, and the severe damage caused by recent hurricanes and red tide. He said the Dislocated Workers program helped farmers return to work and asked that existing state programs be written more broadly to include aquaculture. Oyster producer Canaan Greg of Pelican Oyster Company then discussed the growth of off-bottom oyster farming, the losses his industry suffered from Hurricane Michael and the pandemic, and the need for better access to recovery loans, student internships, local seed production, and waterfront protection. Members asked questions about leases, production, predators, and storm resilience, and the presenters emphasized that aquaculture is a sustainable, year-round industry that filters water and supports local economies.
The committee next heard from UF/IFAS regional extension agent Dr. Bob Hockmouth on education, research, and extension efforts to reduce nitrogen in the Suwannee Valley Basin Management Action Plan area. He explained that the region’s agricultural load reduction target has increased from about 4.2 million to 5.8 million pounds of nitrogen, and that extension programs are helping farmers adopt practices such as precision fertilizer placement, soil moisture sensors, controlled-release fertilizer, petiole sap testing, and irrigation automation. He highlighted corn and watermelon as major examples, saying on-farm demonstrations and cost-share programs are essential because the equipment and technology are expensive. He reported substantial reductions from participating farms and said growers are generally cooperative when funding is available.
Finally, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented an update on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program acquires development rights through voluntary conservation easements to keep working agricultural lands in production, protect water resources and wildlife habitat, and preserve taxable land without transferring ownership. The presenter said the program has expanded rapidly in the last two years, with more acreage acquired, faster application review, and more properties in the Florida wildlife corridor. He noted new online application and monitoring tools, a shortened review timeline, and stronger partnerships with federal and defense-related programs. Committee members asked about long-term maintenance responsibilities and the Board of Trustees approval process, and the presentation closed with support for continued funding and efficiency improvements before the committee adjourned without objection.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- On the right we are showing irrigation permits.
- On the right we are showing irrigation On the right we are showing irrigation permits.<00:05:14.720
- The red, which you see centered a lot around the Twin Cities, are non-crop irrigation.
- As you can see, egg and irrigation processing are the third priority.
- modeling that pumping those irrigation modeling that pumping those irrigation wells<00:35:44.800
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Mar 10th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- For the third year in a row, I'm only planting one-half of my farm because of very limited irrigation
- For the third year in a row, I'm only planting one-half of my farm because of very limited irrigation
- For the third year in a row, I'm only planting one-half of my farm because of very limited irrigation
- They keep their citrus and avocado farms and wheat and poppy fields irrigated and broker the supply of
- And you can see on the Mexico side, there's increased irrigation, there's increased fertile land.
Keywords:
water rights, treaty compliance, Rio Grande, agriculture, drought, international water, Texas water supply, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, harvest reports, wildlife harvest data, public information act, open records, confidentiality, hunter privacy, angler data, game animals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, nongame animals
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met without a quorum at first, then later established quorum and proceeded with testimony and votes. Senate Bill 1248, by Chair Perry, was explained as a narrow Open Records Act exception to protect harvest report location data collected through Texas Parks and Wildlife’s digital tagging system. Support testimony came from Matt Wagner of the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society, who said the bill would protect private land and sensitive biological information while preserving useful wildlife data. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending until later in the meeting.
The committee then heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, which urges the State Department and the International Boundary and Water Commission to press Mexico to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty and deliver its share of Rio Grande water. Senator Hinojosa, farmers, municipal officials, and other witnesses described severe water shortages in South Texas, low reservoir levels, crop losses, the closure of the Valley sugar industry, and the need for alternative supplies such as desalination, reuse, and drainage-runoff projects. Members also discussed treaty enforcement, regional drought, and the role of cartels and Mexican water storage, while emphasizing that Texas must also invest in its own water infrastructure.
The committee also considered Senate Bill 740, which the committee substitute amended to require the Public Utility Commission to adopt a standardized application form for system improvement charges and complete related rulemaking by September 1, 2026, applying only to applications filed on or after that date. Members discussed concerns about water wholesalers using the process to delay cases and drive up costs, and the need for more transparency and PUC resources. The committee voted to adopt the substitute and report SB 740 favorably. After returning to the earlier items, the committee voted SB 1248 out favorably and recommended it for the local and uncontested calendar, and voted SCR 13 out favorably as well. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- And especially, this is mainly going to happen in irrigation. We have dry years; we have wet years.
- So, your irrigators could use up To 200% of their use in one year, but that means over five years, you
- commission or an irrigating district.
- it run off, but does it make you have second thoughts at all during the drought year that every irrigator
- I mean, the majority of the new irrigation systems have metering systems developed in them.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And backflow prevention again licensed irrigators fire.
- Are, are, can, uh, a licensed irrigator make the inspections in the state of Texas?
- I represent Texas Irrigation Association and Dallas Irrigation Association, and we are against this bill
- Swar, uh, with the Texas Irrigation Association.
- I'm actually a, a licensed irrigator. I'm not a, uh, BPAT.
Keywords:
water filtration, public drinking water, health and safety, well maintenance, water quality, Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, public utility agency, dissolution, local government, regulatory framework, municipal authority, Texas Water Bank, Texas Water Trust, water rights, water banking, instream flow