NRCS Looks To Expand Water Protection Areas In Idaho

NRCS-Idaho is seeking proposals to expand Source Water Protection Priority Areas under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program for fiscal year 2027.  The deadline is August 14th.

Source water refers to sources of water (such as rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and groundwater) that provide water to public drinking water supplies and private wells. Source water protection includes a wide variety of actions and activities aimed at safeguarding, maintaining, or improving the quality and/or quantity of sources of drinking water and their contributing areas.  Section 1244(n) of the Food Security Act of 1985 provides that the Secretary of Agriculture must encourage the protection of drinking water sources by: 

• Identifying local priority areas for drinking water protection in each state by collaborating with state technical advisory committees (STAC), community water systems, and the state drinking water agency
• Providing increased incentives for practices related to water quality and quantity and protecting drinking water sources while also benefitting producers
• Dedicating at least 10% of the total funds for conservation programs (except the Conservation Reserve Program) to source water protection each year 

NRCS issued 440 NI 313 to define high-priority areas and give guidance for meeting this source water mandate.  Under 440 NI 313, state conservationists may update high-priority areas to address concerns about either the quality or quantity of source water or both.

More information is available through local USDA Service Centers or by visiting the NRCS Website.  Idaho residents can also contact Misty Beals, (208) 378-5625 or at misty.beals@usda.gov. 

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