On Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 12:00 – 1:30 pm (eastern time), the Source Water Collaborative (SWC) will host a webinar on this year’s opportunity to update the USDA NRCS high priority source water protection areas and agricultural and forestry practices landowners can implement to get up to 90 percent incentive payments to protect drinking water sources under the Farm Bill. The webinar will also address the selection/update of watersheds under the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) and Mississippi River Basin Initiative (MRBI). In addition, participants will learn about a drinking water utility’s successful experience working with NRCS State Technical Committees and NRCS staff.
During the webinar, NRCS will share information about current opportunities for selecting watersheds for these programs. The 9b Group will share the work they have done with the American Water works Association (AWWA) to develop a list of conservation practices that work best for source water protection and show how some of them would qualify for Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding directed to climate-smart water quality and soil health practices. Practices identified would be eligible for the 90 percent incentive payments to producers when implemented in source water protection areas. The webinar audience will also hear tips from the West Des Moines Water Works (water utility) for engaging with your NRCS state office and other partners to advance source water protection.
Please share this announcement with your colleagues and register for the webinar here.