NWQI Dec 15

Mike Stephens

News Reporter

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has awarded $1.6 million in funding through the National Water Quality Initiative for three projects in high priority watersheds in California to help agricultural producers improve water quality.

“The National Water Quality Initiative allows us to address water quality problems at a watershed scale,” said NRCS State Conservationist Carlos Suarez. He continues, “We can target the conservation measures that will be effective at reducing pollution and will work for local farms and ranches.”

Through the National Water Quality Initiative and Natural Resources Conservation, will provide financial and technical assistance in these watersheds using funds from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program for implementing and planning conservation practices to address agricultural sources of water pollution, including nutrients, sediment, pesticides, and pathogens related to agricultural production.

The 3 earmarked projects are, The Clear Lake, which will receive $50,000. The Salt River will receive $800,000 and the Calleguas Creek receiving $750,000.

The National Water Quality Initiative supports the voluntary actions of farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to improve water quality. Through water quality focused efforts, eligible producers can invest in voluntary conservation practices to help provide cleaner water for their neighbors and communities.