To reduce pollution from nonpoint sources, the DNR and other agencies provide technical and funding assistance.

What types of projects receive funding?
Most of the DNR funding supports 3 to 5-year water quality projects conducted by cooperating agencies, such as county soil and water conservation districts, other state agencies and other organizations. Learn more about organizing a watershed improvement project.

Section319 Funding Can Go Toward Cost-Share for Installing Good Practices That Reduce NPS Pollution of Waterbodies

These projects include: Information and education programs Demonstrations of conservation practices Installing conservation practices in priority watersheds Landowners in a watershed with an organized watershed project may be eligible to receive cost-share or incentive payments for installing conservation practices on their land.

The DNR developed a revised Nonpoint Source Management Program plan in 2000 that describes, in detail, the plan for dealing with NPS pollutants in Iowa. This plan includes information about NPS pollution in Iowa, descriptions of NPS pollution programs, as well as short and long-term goals for addressing NPS pollution in Iowa.

Due to the predominance of agriculture in Iowa and the resulting impact of agricultural NPS pollution on Iowa's water resources, NPS control projects are primarily aimed at preventing and reducing agricultural pollutants. However, the DNR has also funded several projects that address only urban concerns or include an urban component.

Planting Grasses or Trees Along Streambanks and Fencing out Livestock are Examples of Good Practices for Water Quality

How do I apply for funding? Individual landowners can receive funding for conservation practices through their local watershed project. If there is not yet a watershed project for your stream or lake, work with your neighbors to organize a watershed project and apply for funding. Organized watershed projects can apply through a joint grant application process for funding consideration under the Section 319 program (administered by the DNR) and the state Water Protection Fund (WPF) or Watershed Protection Program Fund (WSPF) (administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship/Division of Soil Conservation).

Many of the projects selected for funding receive a combination of Section 319 funds and state WPF or WSPF funds, as well as funds from other agencies and private entities.

Where does funding come from?
The federal Clean Water Act was amended in 1987 to include Section 319, which established the NPS Pollution Management Program. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Section 319 program, provides states with grants to carry out NPS pollution control programs and projects.

In Iowa, the DNR is the designated lead agency for the Section 319 program, and has received Section 319 funding annually since 1990.

In recent years, the DNR has been awarded approximately $4.6 million annually for the Section 319 Program, with similar expectations in the future.

Other sources of funding include:

• Watershed Development and Planning Assistance Grant program
• Iowa Water Quality Loan Fund
• Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship programs
  • Water Protection Fund
  • Watershed Protection Program Fund
  • Iowa Financial Incentive Program, etc.
• Natural Resource Conservation Service programs
  • EQIP
  • CRP

DNR Contact
Steve Hopkins
DNR Nonpoint Source Program Coordinator
(515) 281-6402
Stephen.Hopkins@dnr.iowa.gov