NRCS, EPA & RI Department of Environmental Management identified significant water quality impairments from excess nutrients and pathogens in waterbodies within the Sakonnet River watershed. This water quality degradation negatively impacts several coastal lagoons and drinking water supply sources.
For fiscal year 2025, Rhode Island NRCS is funding NWQI implementation practices through EQIP for the Sakonnet River watershed (HUC-12: 010900040910). Farmers and ranchers within the watershed’s boundaries are encouraged to apply for financial assistance from NRCS to address water quality degradation on or stemming from their operations.
Available funding will prioritize conservation practices that reduce movement of sediment, nutrients and pathogens; concentrated soil erosion; and agricultural pollutants including fertilizers and manure from agricultural operations to surface and ground water sources. The signup cut-off date for the third round of fiscal year 2025 funding was February 28, 2025.
Background
A National Water Quality Assessment completed in 2022 for the Sakonnet River watershed identified critical source areas for nonpoint source pollution in agricultural fields. The Sakonnet River watershed land area is about 40% forested. Agricultural land makes up a little over 20% of the area and is located mainly in the southeastern and southwestern areas of the watershed. Production is primarily forage (e.g., other hay/non-alfalfa), corn, and pasture. Developed land makes up about 23% of the land area.
The funding for Sakonnet River watershed is a key component of the strategy to improve water quality in eastern Rhode Island’s surface waters, improve drinking water quality for residents, and support conservation practice installation by farmers on their land to protect their natural resources. Implementation of conservation practices not only supports farmers but also has positive impacts on communities within the watershed.
Sakonnet River Watershed Assessment
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Additional Information
National Water Quality Initiative - Rhode Island
As USDA’s premiere water quality initiative, National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) provides a way to accelerate voluntary, on-farm conservation investments and focused water quality monitoring and assessment resources where they can deliver the greatest benefits for clean water.
Learn MoreEnvironmental Quality Incentives Program - Rhode Island
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to Rhode Island farmers, forest landowners, oyster growers, ranchers, and urban growers to address natural resource concerns in the Ocean State.
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