Do more with less water (2024)

Freshwater is a crucial resource on which we all depend, and yet only three percent of the Earth's water supply is freshwater, found in glaciers, aquifers and groundwater, with only half a percent of that available for our use. In other words, if the world's water supply were 26 gallons, our usable supply of fresh water would be half a teaspoon.

Climate change has seriously affected our water supply. Salt water intrusion and competition from new water users have further worsened the situation. Despite these challenges, America's farmers and ranchers are struggling to maintain and grow production to feed the growing population here in the United States and around the world. Today and in the future they will be encouraged to do more with less water.

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can help. NRCS works one-on-one with farmers, ranchers and foresters to help them implement conservation practices and approaches that conserve water while improving the health of their soil, making every drop of water go further.

Check out these examples:

Irrigation pipeline

Farmers can save water by improving their irrigation systems. An irrigation pipe transports water, either for storage or for use on the land. Steve Burke of Sheridan, Montana applies this practice to his cattle, hay and grain operation. By replacing his old method of flood irrigation with a new irrigation pipeline and gravity sprinkler system, Steve uses half the water he was used to and can irrigate his crops in a fraction of the time.

See how irrigated pipelines work:

{"preview_thumbnail":/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/ag5b0bbaj9w.jpg?itok=dkVg1Gqn", "video_url"https://youtu.be/ag5b0bbaj9w","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":854","height":480"autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Indlejret-video (responsiv)."] }

Cover crops

Ground covers improve soil health by keeping the soil covered, cooling the surface and reducing water loss through evaporation. They increase the organic matter in the soil, which improves soil structure, prevents soil erosion and ensures that water and nutrients stay where they should be: in the soil. Healthy soil helps plants make better use of water, so less is needed. Farmers plant cover crops such as grasses, small grains or legumes during the periods between growing their cash crops.

Residue and tillage (No-Till)

No-till is the practice of creating a narrow furrow just large enough to place a seed in, usually using a no-till planter. By not plowing or discing, former greenhouse and ground cover residues are left on the surface, protecting the soil and keeping it healthier than would be the case with conventional tillage. Because it breaks down into organic matter, it helps improve soil structure. Fields managed for many years without high-residue tillage tend to have higher organic matter content, higher infiltration rates, and greater water-holding capacity than conventionally farmed fields. This means that the collected water stays in the field and does not run off the ground or move under the plant roots.

See how no-till works:

{"preview_thumbnail":/sites/default/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/DBYeb66dN80.jpg?itok=5cvR4mrL", "video_url"https://youtu.be/DBYeb66dN80","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":854","height":480"autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Indlejret-video (responsiv)."] }

There are currently more than 160 conservation practices available to help farmers and ranchers with natural resource issues on their land, including conserving water. NRCS employees are available at service centers nationwide to answer questions and provide one-on-one advice and assistance. Go to to find a local service centerboeren.gov/service-center-locator

To learn more about conservation practices that save water, visitboeren.gov/conservatie.

Erika Cross leads strategic communications at USDA. She can be reached by email aterika.cross@usda.gov.