The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority

Rural Water Quality Program

About the Program

Financial assistance through the Rural Water Quality Program (RWQP) is available for qualified Dufferin County landowners to share in the cost of selected projects that improve and protect water quality.

The RWQP makes grants available for on-the-ground projects to improve water quality and restore aquatic and wildlife habitat. 

Landowners and farmers are encouraged to apply. 

Grants range from 50-100% to a maximum of $5,000 depending on project type.

Project sites must be located in Dufferin County. 

Download this map to check if your property is within the Dufferin County portion of the Nottawasaga Watershed.

Eligible Projects & Grant Rates

Eligibility note: All Dufferin residents (not just farmers) are eligible to apply for well projects.

An Environmental Farm Plan or completed Rural Landowner Stewardship Guide is required to apply, as is a short application form.

Project Grant Rate Maximum Grant

Clean Water Diversion

50%
$3,000

Exclusion Fencing

75-100%
$5,000

Nutrient Management Plans

75-100%
$2,000

Crop Nutrient Plans

75%
$2,000

Erosion Control Structures

50%
$5,000

Machinery Crossing Improvements

50%
$3,000

Cover Crops

$60/acre. Up to $2400
$4,800.

Forest Management

50%
$2,000

Tree Planting and Fragile Land Retirement

75%
$5,000

Natural Area Restoration

50%
$5,000

Wellhead Decommission

100%
1,500

Wellhead Protection

80%
$1,000

Program Guidelines & Application Forms

These documents are available in alternative formats if required. 

Project Forms

Questions and completed application forms should be directed to: 

Shannon Stephens, Healthy Waters Program Coordinator
NVCA, 8195 8th Line, Utopia, ON, LOM 1T0
T: 705-424-1479 ext 239
E: sstephens@nvca.on.ca

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