The MPCA provides financial and technical assistance to local government and other water resource managers to address nonpoint-source water pollution through the state Clean Water Partnership (CWP) and federal Clean Water Act Section 319 programs. Eligible applicants include Tribes, townships, cities, counties, watershed district, watershed management organizations, or joint powers board whose members are townships, cities, or counties.
Nonpoint sources of pollution are unregulated sources that include failing septic systems and runoff from agricultural fields, construction sites, animal feedlots, paved surfaces, and lawns. When taken together, these sources contribute huge quantities of phosphorus, bacteria, sediments, nitrates and other pollutants to the environment. They also represent the largest combined share (an estimated 86%) of the state's water pollution.
The Minnesota Nonpoint Source Management Program Plan is required for Minnesota to remain eligible to receive grant funds under Section 319 of the federal Clean Water Act. But Minnesota's plan goes beyond what is required and outlines a multi-year approach for addressing water quality problems from nonpoint-source pollution.
Clean Water Partnership loans
The Clean Water Partnership (CWP) program offers low-interest loans to local units of government and other organizations for implementing nonpoint-source best management practices and other activities that target the restoration and protection of water resources such as lakes, streams, or groundwater aquifers. Find out how to apply:
Section 319 small watersheds focus funding
The Section 319 small watersheds focus program is funding comprehensive water-quality restoration and protection plans for small-scale watersheds. Eligible projects must address a nonpoint-source pollution issue.
Reporting
CWP loans and Section 319 grants have specific, required reporting requirements.
Semi-annual reports are due on February 1 (for the period July 1 through Dec. 31) and August 1 (for the period Jan. 1 through June 30).
Final reports are due 30 days after the end date of the grant or loan agreement. Final grant invoices due 15 days after the end date of the grant.
CWP and 319 projects must submit information on implemented best management practices (BMPs) to the Board of Water and Soil Resources eLINK database each year on February 1 and 30 days after the end date of the grant or loan agreement.
Optional grant budget tracking form:
Watershed achievements report
The annual Watershed Achievements report details projects by local government units and others that help control nonpoint-source pollution. The report describes projects funded by Minnesota’s Clean Water Partnership loan program, federal Clean Water Act Section 319 grants, and Clean Water Fund.
- Find older reports in the Legislative Reference Library collection.