Local Source Water Protection Grant Applications Are Now Available
Funding is available from the Department of Environmental Services to develop and implement programs to protect existing sources of public drinking water. The grants are available to water suppliers, municipalities, regional planning agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, conservation districts, and state agencies. Applicants can receive up to $20,000 for projects that protect drinking water sources, including watershed planning, delineation of protection areas, assessment of threats to water supply sources, “on the ground” implementation projects, and source security.
Over the last 23 years, over 300 Local Source Water Protection Grants have been awarded to drinking water partners across the state to undertake efforts to secure and protect public sources of drinking water. In 2019, twelve Local Source Water Protection Grants were awarded to water utilities, municipalities, non-profits, and regional planning commissions, these included projects to:
- Review and update zoning ordinances
- Install security features around drinking water sources
- Evaluate land uses and conservation opportunities near a drinking water reservoir
- Design stormwater best management practices near water sources
- Begin development of a regional drinking water protection plan
- Investigate sources of groundwater contamination
- Evaluate management options to reduce nutrient loading into a drinking water source
The application packet is available online to provide sufficient lead time for applicants to work with stakeholders to determine what protections are necessary to address potential contamination threats, coordinate with working partners, and determine a budget. NHDES is happy to confer with potential applicants in advance of the development of an application.
Applications are due on November 1, 2019 and can be found at: https://www.des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/dwgb/dwspp/lswp_grants.htm
For more information about the Local Source Water Protection Grant Program, please contact Andrew Madison, NHDES Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau at Andrew.madison@des.nh.gov or (603) 271-2950.