Source Water Protection (SWP) Learning Exchange topics:
- Accessing Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funds for SWP
- Creative Partnerships
- Multi Purpose Decision Support Systems for SWP Strategies
- SWP Through Conservation Funding
- Nutrient Reduction Successes
- Funding for SWP
- Forming & Sustaining Collaboratives
- Linking SWP to Emergency Preparedness
- SWP Through Forestry Partnerships
SWP Through Conservation Funding
Highlights
The Source Water Collaborative Updates its Source Water Protection Through Conservation Funding Learning Exchange Page
In 2016, marking its 10th anniversary, the Source Water Collaborative (SWC) launched the Learning Exchange. The Learning Exchange aims to strengthen the effectiveness of source water practitioners across the country by providing a platform to share ...
Read More >“Water utilities and land owners are eager to collaborate on projects that protect public health and the environment, reduce the cost of water treatment and help agriculture producers succeed.”
– G. Tracy Mehan, III, Executive Director Of Government Affairs, American Water Works Association
Featured Resources
Watch The Webinar
New Opportunities to Partner with NRCS for Source Water Protection and ClimateSmart Agriculture
April 18, 2024
Featuring presentations from NRCS, AWWA and the 9B Group, and West Des Moines Water Works on selecting high priority source water protection areas, NWQI and MRBI watersheds, and agricultural and forestry practices farmers might implement to get up to 90 percent incentive payments to protect drinking water sources, including Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) payments from funding directed at climate smart water quality and soil health practices.
Watch the Webinar
Two New NRCS Collaboration Opportunities to Advance Source Water Protection
June 14, 2023
Featuring presentations from NRCS about opportunities to select National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) watersheds and to refine and update NRCS Priority Source Water Areas that can direct conservation program financial and technical assistance to producers for protecting drinking water sources.
Watch The Webinar
SWC: Funding Opportunity for NRCS RCPP
March 23, 2022
Featuring presentations from NRCS, and about AWWA’s assistance and Missouri and New Hampshire projects.
Watch the Webinar
Opportunities For Engagement With NRCS To Identify New NWQI Watersheds
June 10, 2021
Featuring presentations from the Connecticut NRCS State Conservationist, the Oregon Source Water Program, and the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District
Watch The Webinar
Updates From NRCS And The Northeast: Partnering To Protect Drinking Water
June 4, 2020
Featuring presenters from NRCS sharing information about the new bulletin on selecting priority source water protection areas in each state.
Watch The Webinar
Working With NRCS And Agricultural Partners To Protect Drinking Water Sources
June 25, 2019
This webinar included information about NWQI and other NRCS programs.
Watch The Webinar
Conservation Funding & Drinking Water Utilities
January 11, 2018
Showcasing efforts to support agricultural producers through the USDA’s RCPP (Regional Conservation Partnership Program).
Document
Example Of A Successful RCPP Pre-Proposal
Review the Middle Cedar Partnership Project's pre-proposal, the first step in the RCPP application process.
Document
Example Of A Successful RCPP Full Proposal
The Middle Cedar Partnership Project was selected to submit a full proposal with more extensive requirements.
Case Study
Partnering For Success: The Middle Cedar Partnership Project
16 organizations leverage $2 million in RCPP funding to protect the source of drinking water for Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Bulletin
NWQI Watershed And Source Water Protection Area Selection And Criteria
In this bulletin, the NRCS STCs are directed to propose protection areas based on delineations provided by drinking water partners.
Key Resources
US Forest Service Forests to Faucets Geographic Analysis Showing Importance of Sub-watersheds to Surface Water Sources of Drinking Water National Association of State Foresters (NASF) about State Forest Action Plans (SFAPs) NASF Memo to SFAP Leaders on Including Source Water Protection USDA Joint Chiefs' (NRCS and USFS) Landscape Restoration Partnership Southeastern Partnership for Forests and Water Water Research Foundation (WRF) Asset Management Framework for Forested and Natural Assets Keeping Forests: a coalition working in defense of southern timberlandsSWC & Member Resources
Collaboration Toolkit: Protecting Drinking Water Sources Through Agricultural Conservation USDA Tools to Support Source Water Protection (American Water Works Association) US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS) Partnerships Stories USDA National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program Testimonials USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Partnerships Creative Partnerships in Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring (River Network)AWWA: Farm Bill Key In Protecting Drinking Water
Watch American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) video describing how partnerships between the water and agricultural communities are vital to source water protection and how Congress can help address the issue.
RCPP Source Water Protection Projects Map
Click on the map image below to explore RCPP projects from across the country that are helping protect and improve source water quality as well as combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat, and protect agricultural viability. Project descriptions and information were obtained from the Regional Conservation Partnership Program website.
