Irrigation practices in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of South Texas still use canal-based flood water delivery systems feeding from the Rio Grande River. Citrus is a perennial crop that is irrigated year-round primarily by flood irrigation throughout three counties of south Texas. The citrus industry in south Texas was valued at $74 million in 2006 and is ranked third in citrus production in the USA, after Florida and California. It's economic impact for the state's economy through employment, business activity, goods and services is over $140 million annually. Because of its importance to the Texas economy, its preservation for future generations is of increasing interest. However, decreasing water flow from the Rio Grande River and increasing demands on water supply due to urbanization along the US and Mexican border have made water conservation an important issue for continued agriculture production. In response to future water scarcity, the Texas Water Development Board funded a 10 year study focusing on on-farm water conservation practices for growers throughout the LRGV. This Agricultural Water Conservation Demonstration Initiative (ADI) program collaborates with growers currently utilizing alternative water conservation irrigation methods and promotes these practices to other growers. Research studies in 2006 showed a water savings of 2.9 acre-ft per acre by converting mature flood irrigated citrus to drip irrigation. If all citrus in the LRGV were converted to drip irrigation an estimated 78,000 acre-ft of water could be saved.