Improving water quality is essential to protecting the health of our rivers, streams, and drainage systems, as well as the communities and ecosystems that depend on them. For more than 20 years, South Nation Conservation (SNC) has worked alongside landowners and agricultural producers to reduce runoff, erosion, and contaminants entering local waterways.

Through guidance, site visits, and financial support offered by the Clean Water Program, SNC helps property owners identify practical solutions that improve water quality while supporting productive land use. The program has funded more than $2.6 million in grants to over 880 projects; adding about $12 million to the local economy in construction projects.  

Cost-share grants ranging from $1,000 to $8,000 help offset project costs, making it easier to implement on-the-ground improvements that deliver lasting environmental benefits across the watershed.

Residents in the SNC jurisdiction with the exception of the City of Ottawa can apply by contacting SNC at 1-877-984-2948 or info@nation.on.caThis link opens in a new window to arrange a site visit. 

A Grants Subcommittee that reports to the Watershed Advisory Committee approves landowners stewardship grants. Applications are accepted year-round, though applicants are encouraged to apply early in the year to help secure funding.

To be eligible, applicants must apply to the Clean Water Grant Program before starting work on their project.

For more information on eligible projects:

• Buffers, Fragile Land Retirement, Windbreaks
• Cover Crops
• Clean Water Diversion/ Barnyard Runoff ControlThis link opens in a new window
• Controlled Tile Drainage
• Fertilizer / Chemical Storage & Handling
• Fuel Storage & Handling
• Livestock Access Restriction to Waterways
• Manure Storage
• Milkhouse Wastewater Treatment/Disposal
• Well Decommissioning
• Septic Systems
• Erosion Control
  
  

Projects within the City of Ottawa are directed to the Ottawa Rural Clean Water Grant Program.

The Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program (ORCWP) improves water quality in the City of Ottawa by partnering with landowners to reduce the risk of contaminating water from non-point source pollution. The program provides funding to support the voluntary implementation of projects that help protect surface water and groundwater. Grants up to $15 000 are available covering 50 to 90 percent of eligible costs. The program is administered by the Rideau ValleyThis link opens in a new window, Mississippi ValleyThis link opens in a new window and South Nation, and is in partnership with the City of Ottawa and the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association.This link opens in a new window

Eligible Projects categories include:

• BuffersThis link opens in a new window, windbreaks This link opens in a new windowand land retirementThis link opens in a new window
• Livestock restrictions This link opens in a new windowfrom watercourses
• Stream bank stabilizationThis link opens in a new window
• Well decommissioningThis link opens in a new window
• Education initiativesThis link opens in a new window
• Controlled tile drainage This link opens in a new windowand outlet protectionThis link opens in a new window
• Chemical/fuel storageThis link opens in a new window
• Clean water diversionThis link opens in a new window
• Manure storageThis link opens in a new window and Wash water treatmentThis link opens in a new window
• Nutrient management plansThis link opens in a new window
• Precision farmingThis link opens in a new window
• Grassed waterwaysThis link opens in a new window

To find out about project grants and eligibilityThis link opens in a new window, please consult the program guide This link opens in a new windowand application formThis link opens in a new window.

Call (613)-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1128 or 1132 or visit Ottawa.ca

Applications are still being accepted.

For more information:

• Ottawa Rural Clean Water ProgramThis link opens in a new window
• Learn More on Controlled Tile Drainage: VideoThis link opens in a new window