Why Tracking Irrigation Water Matters
Across the Midwest and High Plains, many farmers are under increasing pressure to monitor and manage irrigation water use. With aquifer levels, like the Ogallala Aquifer, declining and governing bodies placing strict water restrictions, knowing exactly how much water you’ve used for irrigation is no longer optional—it’s essential.
That’s where VandWater, (VandWater | Sustainable Solutions ) a company based out of Belleville, Kansas, comes in. They’ve developed a farmer-friendly water tracking system that makes staying compliant with regulations simple, even in areas with poor cell service.
How VandWater Works
When you sign up for VandWater, their team installs tokens on your irrigation flow meters. These tokens connect with VandWater’s app, which automatically syncs your data. ( Could use a screenshot of the Vandwater spp homepage here)
If you’re under water restrictions, VandWater can preload your limitations into the system—whether it’s an annual cap or a multi-year account. From there, you can track your water use as it counts down or counts up, giving you a live snapshot of where you stand.
This ensures that you:
- Stay in compliance with local and state water use meter reporting.
- Avoid costly fines or penalties.
- Have confidence that your irrigation strategy fits within your water allocation
Easy Data Collection—Even Without Cell Service
Farmers in areas like the Texas Panhandle know cell service can be spotty. VandWater solves that problem.
The app works offline, allowing you to take water meter readings in the field without cell service. Once you’re back in coverage or on WiFi, the app automatically syncs water meter readings to the VandWater server.
The process is simple:
- Scan your token on the water meter.
- Enter your meter reading (the system automatically configures decimals correctly).
- Take a photo of the meter for verification.
- Add notes or extra photos if needed.
- Save the reading—the app uploads it when you’re back in service.
Real-Time Water Usage Dashboard
With VandWater, you can log into your dashboard from your phone or computer and instantly see:
- How much water you’ve used this season.
- How close you are to your water restriction limit.
- How your pumping costs compare to your budget.
Even if you’re not under restrictions, this tool helps you be a better steward of water, reduce unnecessary water pumping, and protect long-term irrigation sustainability.
Why Farmers Trust VandWater
- Reliable – Works in low-service areas.
- User Friendly – Quick to use, farmer-friendly interface
- Verifiable – Meter photos and notes provide proof of accurate reporting.
- Economical – Affordable technology with a high return in saved time, money, and compliance security.
NutraDrip + VandWater: Helping You Manage Every Drop
At NutraDrip, we work with VandWater to bring this technology directly to farmers. Our goal is to help you:
- Maximize irrigation efficiency.
- Protect aquifer resources.
- Stay compliant with water restrictions.
If you’d like to learn more about installing VandWater on your farm, contact us today. We’d love to help you set up a system that makes water tracking simple and reliable.
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FAQ'S
VandWater works directly with Kansas farmers by placing a small token on your existing flow meter. The system automatically tracks your water use and aligns it with your state’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) requirements. This makes water use reporting seamless, accurate, and compliant.
In Nebraska, many Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) require irrigation water use reporting. VandWater preloads your NRD’s allocation limits into their software so you can see exactly how much water you’ve used and how much is left for the season—making compliance simple.
Yes. Texas growers facing declining Ogallala Aquifer levels can use VandWater to track every gallon applied. By seeing real-time usage against annual groundwater conservation district limits, farmers can make efficient irrigation decisions and stretch water supplies further.
VandWater installation is quick and non-invasive. Our team simply attaches a wireless token to your flow meter—no major plumbing or power work required. Most systems are up and running in less than an hour.
Absolutely. VandWater can integrate multiple flow meters across your farm into one easy-to-use dashboard, giving you a full picture of your water usage across pivots, drip systems, and other irrigation setups.
While compliance is a big benefit, VandWater also helps growers make smarter irrigation decisions. By monitoring usage in real time, you can optimize when and how much water to apply, improve water efficiency, and protect long-term groundwater availability.
