A three-year grant will make it possible for a state agriculture agency to offer Ventura County farmers free water-efficiency assistance. The Ventura County Resource Conservation District was notified recently the $660,000 grant will be available for its Mobile Irrigation Efficiency Laboratory (MIEL) after Wed., Sept. 1.

The lab consists of various equipment that conservation experts take into the field to evaluate how efficiently water is used on county farmland. It also finds ways to improve the quality of the water runoff from the fields as a way to protect natural watersheds and drinking water.

At a farmer’s request, district experts measure irrigation flow, analyze ways to reduce sediment in runoff, design sprinkler plans and provide other water conservation and management services. Since 2007, the county’s farmers have paid as much as $1,500 for the services. The grant will allow the Somis office of the conservation district to provide the same services for free.

“I can’t see who would lose on that,” said Marty Melvin, Resource Conservation District manager.

Craig Underwood said the district evaluated three of the 20 or so fruit and vegetable ranches his family owns or leases in Somis, Moorpark and surrounding areas. Assessment and follow-up assistance from the district with two citrus orchards helped Underwood increase water efficiency from around 85 percent to 98 percent by changing his irrigation system, he said. Underwood’s waiting for results of the third evaluation.

The district is one of 128 state agencies charged with protecting, conserving and restoring natural resources. The nonprofit district relies primarily on grants to operate. Many of its services are free to farmers and landowners. Out of more than 3,000 counties across the U.S., Ventura County is the 10th most significant agriculture producer, Melvin said.

Agriculture is a vital part of Ventura County’s economy, accounting for nearly 87,000 jobs and $1.6 billion in produce, and generating more than $20 million in tax revenue, according to the district.

It’s not just farmers who benefit from improved water, Melvin said. Both homeowners and local wildlife are dependent on water.

The conservation district launched the water efficiency lab in the 1990s and operated it through 2002, until funding ran out. The district reinstated the program on a fee-basis three years ago.

The agency was originally awarded the $660,000 grant by the State Water Resources Control Board in 2009, but the state suspended funding because of budget problems. The grant is expected to run three years, depending on the state’s financial footing.

Melvin said because residential outdoor water use accounts for as much as 70 percent of water consumption by some estimates, the district plans to launch a similar program for residents in the fall.

Anyone interested in MEIL can call Melvin at (805) 386-4489, ext. 108, or e-mail marty.melvin @vcrcd.org.