Rural Clean Water Grants help to improve water quality in our local rivers, streams and creeks by reducing pollution and the volume of water running off the land. Teaming up with farmers and rural residents, we provide financial support and technical assistance for on-the-ground projects that improve and protect water quality.

Rural Clean Water Grants up to $15,000 per project are available through three programs, based on location and project type:

• Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program for properties within the City of Ottawa (Rideau Valley, Mississippi and South Nation watersheds)
• Rideau Valley Rural Clean Water Program for properties outside the City of Ottawa, but in the remainder of the Rideau Valley 
• ALUS Lanark for agricultural properties in Lanark County (RVCA and MVCA watersheds)

Eligible Projects:

Eligible projects for farmers include, but are not limited to:

• livestock fencing
• chemical and fuel storage
• manure storage and treatment
• nutrient management and precision farming
• controlled tile drainage
• cover crops
• annual payments for ecosystem services
• wastewater treatment
• wetland creation or enhancement
• windbreakers, buffers, and grasslands

Eligible projects for all rural residents include, but are not limited to:

• erosion control
• buffers
• well replacements, upgrades or decommissioning
• septic repair
• forest and wetland management plans

Grants:

Grant amounts and eligibility may vary by grant program, available funding and project type. Always contact us before starting your project, as we cannot offer grants for completed projects.

Deadline for grant applications is May 1 of each year, but depending on funding we may approve project proposals received after this date.

Ready to apply? Click here for instructions or download your application form here. Please note you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to e-sign your form.