New grant funding available to help farmers reduce phosphorus runoff in the Grand River watershed

Farmers in the Grand River watershed have access to new grant funding, available through the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), aimed at reducing phosphorus runoff into local waterways—a crucial step in preventing harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie. Funding is available for projects such as soil testing and crop nutrient planning, cover crops, erosion control structures, stream fencing, tree planting or adopting more efficient phosphorus application practices.

Phosphorus is a key nutrient that helps plants grow and maintains healthy ecosystems. It comes from natural and human sources such as wastewater treatment plants, urban stormwater and agricultural runoff. Too much phosphorus can pollute waterways and can trigger excessive algae growth. 

The Grand River Priority Watersheds Phosphorus Reduction Program (PWPRP) provides financial support to farmers implementing practices that keep phosphorus on the land and out of rivers, with a focus on the Nith River and Fairchild Creek subwatersheds.

With financial support from the Government of Canada through the Canada Water Agency Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative, the three-year program targets the Nith River and Fairchild Creek watersheds, identified as priority areas for stewardship action in the Grand River watershed.

“While reducing phosphorus is the primary focus, this program has multiple benefits,” says Louise Heyming, GRCA Supervisor of Conservation Outreach. “Projects to manage runoff and help maximise nutrient use efficiency will also help improve soil health, biodiversity and flood mitigation. What’s good for farm productivity and sustainability is also good for landscape resilience and watershed health.”

Farmers in the Grand River watershed who are interested in a project but are outside the target area, are still encouraged to contact the GRCA. The GRCA offers additional cost share programs, including the Rural Water Quality Program, which provides grants to farm and rural landowners for water protection projects.

To apply to the Priority Watershed Phosphorus Reduction Program or to learn more about the services and grants that are available through the GRCA, please contact the GRCA at ruralwater@grandriver.ca or call 519-621-2761 and ask to speak to a Conservation Specialist. More information is also available at www.grandriver.ca/ruralwater.

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Media contacts:

Serena Catania, Supervisor, Communications and Marketing

Phone 519-621-2763 x2240 | Email scatania@grandriver.ca

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Director of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education

Phone 519-621-2763 x2316 | Email lstocco@grandriver.ca