banner image of sonoran desert skyline with text that reads water conservation grant fund

Water Conservation Grant Fund

The Water Conservation Grant Fund (WCGF) exists to provide financial resources to eligible entities for the purpose of conserving Arizona's water supply.

A wide range of projects and programs may be eligible for WCGF funding. Some examples include: 
  • Water use education and conservation research
  • Community incentives for rainwater harvesting, gray water systems, and turf removal
  • Widespread installation of drought-resistant landscaping and turf removal incentives
  • Infrastructure efficiency upgrades
  • Projects that promote groundwater recharge and imported aquifer health
  • Construction of groundwater storage facilities
  • Community education initiatives about wise water use
  • Programs or projects to reduce structural water overuse issues
Eligible entities may apply for up to $250,000 per project or $3,000,000 per program. A 25% match is required.

Eligible Entities
Cities, towns, counties, districts, commissions, authorities, or other public entities that are organized and exist under the statutory law of Arizona or a voter-approved charter or initiative of Arizona are eligible to apply. Additionally, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may apply in partnership with one of the entities described above.  
Blue sky featuring the top of a water storage tank
Misters over agriculture representing water conservation

Water Conservation Grant Committee

The seven-member committee is a geographically diverse group representing various backgrounds and perspectives across the state. This ensures that each region of Arizona is represented, which creates a more equitable and fair decision-making process for WCGF projects and policy. 

Committee Members

Kimberly Schonek, Chairman, Arizona Water Program Director, The Nature Conservancy 
Representing: Advocacy group with a primary focus on water conservation

Erin Young, Water Resources Manager, City of Flagstaff
Representing: Public Water System that Serves 500 or more connections 

Blake Anderson, President, Mogollon Water Management 
Representing: Public Water System that Serves less than 500 connections 

Sam Draper, Policy Manager, Audubon Society 
Representing: County with a population of  500,000 or more persons

Paul E. Brierley, Executive Director, Yuma Center of Excellence for Agriculture 
Representing: County with a population of  less than 500,000 persons 

Andrea Gerlak, Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, University of Arizona 
Representing: University in the state and who has significant knowledge in water conservation 

Tim Grandy, Vice-Chairman, Buckeye Valley Natural Resource Conservation District 
Representing: Natural resource conservation district