The Nevada Irrigation District’s (NID) Agriculture Water Efficiency Committee held its second meeting this week, drawing strong participation from growers, ranchers and community stakeholders. The discussion highlighted promising opportunities to reduce water use while supporting on‑farm and ranch productivity across the foothills.

The meeting’s tone was positive and collaborative, with members expressing strong support for working toward a shared set of goals and practical solutions.

A highlight was the committee’s endorsement of a new water‑use survey being conducted by the University of California Cooperative Extension. The survey aims to better understand how irrigation water is used, the crops it supports and the economic and ecological role of irrigated agriculture in Placer and Nevada counties. The survey is being sent to raw water customers of NID, Placer County Water Agency, South Sutter Water District and other producers in the region. All responses are confidential and anonymous.

Agriculture uses significant irrigation water in the Sierra foothills, and water often represents a major overhead cost for producers. Crop choices are shaped by soil, climate, markets and operational limitations. The survey will help provide an objective look at current water use and inform future educational efforts, local decision‑making and policy development.

More information will be shared as the committee’s work continues.