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The American Water Works Association (“AWWA”) published a July 18th guide for water utilities titled:

USDA Tools to Support Source Water Protection (“Guide”)

The Guide identifies what are characterized as opportunities for water systems to leverage United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) conservation programs to expand the effectiveness of community partnerships and protect drinking water sources.

Topics addressed in the Guide include:

• The Challenges of Excess Nutrients
• Source Water Protection
• Involvement of the Utility with the Agricultural Community (Rationale)
• Opportunities for Direct Engagement
• Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Description of USDA Programs
• Summary of NRCS Programs
• Conservation Districts
• Case Studies
• 2018 Projects Being Initiated
• USDA Conservation Program
• Regional Conservation Partnership Program
• Conservation Innovation Grants
• National Water Quality Initiative
• NRCS Water Quality Landscape Initiatives
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program
• Conservation Stewardship Program
• Conservation Reserve Program
• Agriculture Conservation Easement Program
• Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program
• Small Watershed Rehabilitation Program
• Health Forests Reserve Program
• Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership
• Forest Legacy Program

A copy of the Guide can be downloaded here.