WASHINGTON – Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman announced today that Reclamation has selected two projects in Kansas to receive $97,000 for small-scale water efficiency projects. The funding from Reclamation will assist the selected applicants with converting open ditch laterals into buried pipeline systems.

Kirwin Irrigation District No. 1, located in northwestern Kansas, will receive $34,000 for its conversion of Lateral 6.8 to buried pipeline. They will convert 3,696 feet of an open ditch lateral to polyvinyl chloride pipe, reducing seepage and evaporation. This project meets goals identified in the district’s Water Conservation Plan and District Operating Plan, and is part of Reclamation’s Pick-Sloan Solomon Division Kirwin Unit.

Webster Irrigation District No. 4, located in Gaylord, Kansas, will receive $63,000 for its conversion of the Osborne Lateral 14.9 into a 1.5-mile buried pipe system. The project will eliminate evaporation, seepage, and operational losses. This project aligns with the Webster Irrigation District’s Water Conservation Plan and the district’s Operating Plan.

Funding is provided to projects on a 50-percent cost-share. A complete list of the selected projects is available at: https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/swep/.

Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects are part of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Program. The program aims to improve water conservation and reliability, helping water resource managers make sound decisions about water use. Learn more at https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/swep/.

Visit https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart for additional information about the WaterSMART program.