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NRCS seek input on National Water Quality Initiative and Source Water Protection Areas for Idaho

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Idaho State water quality agencies and partners, including drinking water providers, are invited to propose new priority areas for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service's National Water Quality Initiative watersheds and Source Water Protection Areas. Proposals are due April 18. 

Media Contact: Mindi Rambo, Public Affairs Specialist, mindi.rambo@usda.gov, 208- 378-5720

 

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentive Program-National Water Quality Initiative (EQIP-NWQI) is delivered jointly with state water quality agencies and the Environmental Protection Agency. EQIP-NWQI addresses sources of water pollution, such as nutrients, sediment and pathogens in priority watersheds throughout the country. In Fiscal Year 2019, NWQI was expanded to include Source Water Protection Areas (SWPAs) for ground and surface water sources of drinking water. 

NRCS State Conservationists consult with state water quality agencies and partners, including drinking water providers, to evaluate the status of current and proposed NWQI watersheds and SWPAs based on NWQI criteria, state priorities and NRCS leadership approval. 

Through April 18, state water quality agencies, partners and NRCS Idaho may: 

  • Propose new sub-watersheds for the Fiscal Year 2026 planning and implementation phases of NWQI;
  • Propose new NWQI SWPAs for either ground or surface public water supplies for planning or implementation phase;
  • Propose to withdraw current NWQI subwatersheds or SWPAs;
  • Update current implementation subwatersheds. This can include adding additional subwatersheds that have an existing plan such as an Agricultural Implementation Plan.

The deadline for proposals to be submitted to the NRCS State Office is April 18.

There is no limit on the number of NWQI subwatersheds in a state. Idaho currently has 31 Implementation Phase and 13 Planning Phase watersheds.

To learn more, contact Maureen Pepper, State Water Quality Specialist for NRCS Idaho, via email at maureen.pepper@usda.gov .

More Information

To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center.  Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today. 

For more than 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat.  NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov. 

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