Nevada receives $791,000 in grants to improve water quality, reduce pollution throughout the state

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) is excited to announce that $791,000 in Clean Water Act grants from the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be used to complete 12 projects that will address nonpoint source pollution and improve water quality in streams and rivers across the state.

Nonpoint source pollution comes from rain, snowmelt, and irrigation water flows over developed or disturbed land into bodies of water, carrying with it pollutants like oil, sediment, pesticides, and bacteria. The pollution also contains nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which can contribute to excess algae growth. This polluted water makes its way into Nevada’s waterways either directly or through storm drains and can impact overall water quality.

Nevada’s 2022 Clean Water Act grant projects include:

Northern Nevada:

• Restoring streambank stability on the Carson and Walker Rivers

• Decreasing roadside sediment levels in the Tahoe Basin

• Funding river cleanup events and provide education in the Truckee River watershed

• Teaching children in the Humboldt River watershed about water pollution prevention

Southern Nevada:

• Supporting Las Vegas Wash volunteer Green-Up event that revegetates 12 acres of the Wash with native plants

• Providing funding to create a Clark County teacher on-line education hub regarding water issues with resources to integrate into school curriculums

“NDEP is excited to make important investments in community outreach and on-the-ground projects that will enhance water quality for all Nevadans,” said Birgit Widegren, supervisor of NDEP’s Nonpoint Source Program. “We look forward to engaging with communities across the Silver State to protect our precious water resources by reducing the most common sources of pollution from entering our streams, rivers, and other vital waterways. EPA’s continued support for NDEP's Nonpoint Source Program helps ensure the long-term health and improvement of water quality in Nevada's waterways."  

NDEP’s 2021 Annual Report for the Nonpoint Source Management Program highlights the accomplishments of the program during the previous year. Ongoing and completed water quality improvement projects have reduced pollutants entering Nevada’s waterways. Click here to read the report.

Each year, Nevada receives Clean Water Act grant funding from the EPA to administer the Nonpoint Source Program. NDEP releases an annual Competitive Grant Funding Opportunity to award funds to qualifying counties, conservation districts, regional agencies, and nonprofit organizations for water quality improvement projects. Click here for more information on the grant program and projects.