Programs offer support for on-farm water supply initiatives

If you’re an Alberta livestock producer experiencing water supply challenges, there are programs available to help. 

Here is a brief overview of both the Government of Alberta’s Water Pumping Program and the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) Water Program. 

Alberta’s Pumping Program 

The Government of Alberta’s Water Pumping Program helps producers interested in pumping water from one water source to another. 

Eligibility: 

Any Alberta agriculture producer who is experiencing a water shortage or water shortages for domestic, livestock or agricultural purposes is eligible. 

How it Works: 

The program offers six- or eight-inch aluminum pipe and pumps “at cost.”  

Eligible producers outline their request through the Water Pumping Program Equipment Rental Application and Contract and submit it by mail.  

After the submission, a coordinator or driver will reach out to coordinate delivery arrangements before the equipment request date. 

Staff deliver the equipment and offer technical assistance, and safety advice and tips. 

Notes: 

A temporary diversion license may be required to draw water from certain waterbodies. Contact your local Regional Support Person (Water) of Alberta Environment and Parks  

More Information 

CAP Water Program 

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) Water Program offers producers limited subsidies to drill wells for on-farm irrigation projects or on-farm water supply projects. 

Eligibility: 

To be eligible for on-farm water supply projects, an applicant must be a primary producer responsible for input costs or agricultural crops or livestock producing at least $10,000 worth of farm commodities annually, and is liable to pay Alberta income tax or corporate tax on income from the production of farm commodities. 

A landlord whose only interest in crop or livestock is their ownership of the land is not eligible. 

How it Works: 

Eligible expenses are cost-shared, with the program paying 25 percent, to a set maximum. In the case of special incentives (like well decommissioning, well pit conversions, and wetland assessments), the program pays at 50 percent, to a set maximum.  

On-farm water supply projects include new or expanded water source developments such as wells, dugouts, springs, tie-ins to a multi-user water supply pipeline, dams, and more.  

Interested producers should ensure they are eligible to apply, and their proposed activities are eligible for funding. They can then complete the application form, and submit it online, by fax, or by mail.  

Notes: 

• With well drillers in high demand, producers may need to book drillers well in advance. 
• Even with compensation, the construction or reconstruction of wells can be very expensive.  
• Remember to test water before giving livestock access, especially in areas where there are known issues with salinity, arsenic, or uranium.  

More Information