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Rural Water Quality Program

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Showing a buffer along a watercourse with crops in background

Farmers can receive grants that will help them to undertake projects to protect water quality on the farm.

The program offers grants ranging from 50 per cent to 100 per cent of the cost of selected best management practices (BMPs). Money is available for projects including stream fencing, tree planting, manure storage, well decommissioning and more. (Eligible projects vary by county).

 RWQP grant rates and how to apply
The types of projects covered and the grant rates vary from county to county. For detailed information, go to the page for your county:
 Other grant programs
In some cases, grants may be combined with funding from other sources for a combined grant of 80 to 100 per cent of the project costs.  GRCA conservation specialists can help farmers and rural landowners obtain grants from other agencies to support their projects.

For more information:
 Program background
Farmers helped create and continue to oversee the program. Local committees, with representation from agricultural organizations, prioritize BMP applications and decide appropriate funding levels to direct the available funding.

The GRCA administers the program. Most of the funds come from municipal governments.

The Rural Water Quality Program (RWQP) is voluntary. The best management practices that you choose may be different from those of your neighbours. The RWQP will help producers respond to the specific water quality concerns by providing financial and technical assistance.

With the support of the RWQP, farmers can achieve their own environmental goals and help ensure there is enough clean water for farmers, their neighbours and all the residents of the Grand River watershed.
 Program achievements

More than 5,000 projects have been implemented by rural landowners. They have invested more than $27 million in the projects and received grants totaling $14 million.

  • An estimated 100,000 kilograms of phosphorus have been kept on the land and out of rivers and streams.
  • More than 140 kilometres of stream banks have been fenced, keeping 13,500 head of livestock from watercourses.
  • About 920 hectares of fragile land have been retired and planted to trees in riparian areas, wetland buffers, steep slopes and areas of groundwater recharge and discharge.

Discover Stories from the Field

Did you know that thousands of farmers in the Grand River watershed are working to improve and protect water quality on their land? Meet local producer Steve Sickle, and many others, whose contributions are highlighted through their inspiring stories from the field. 

Screenshort of "Stories in the Field" a web application showcasing local watershed landowners

 

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