Watershed Improvement

Watershed Improvement Grants

As of June 19, 2024, there are currently no Watershed Improvement Grant opportunities available for applications at this time. We will continue to update this space and utilize EcoNewsWire press releases to announce future opportunities where applicable. Thank you for your applications and ongoing interest in Iowa's water quality improvement!

The Water Quality Improvement Section has a new factsheet about the DNR's efforts to investigate the prevalence, sources, and risk factors related to E. coli bacteria and other pathogens at Iowa's beaches. 

For questions or more information, visit our contact page.

Watershed Improvement Resources

Organizing Local Efforts  

• Starting an effort: an overview
• Taking the first step: Local efforts
• Community watershed improvement framework for lakes 
• List of funding sources

For Landowners 

• List of funding sources
• DNR Private Lands Biologists
• DNR Forestry Landowner Assistance
• Find a Watershed Management Authority near you

For All Iowans

• Learn about water quality problems and solutions 
• Water Quality Improvement Plans (TMDLs)
• Things you can do to protect water quality (from U.S. EPA)

Get Involved

• Learn how communities can come together to reduce flood risk and improve water quality by forming a Watershed Management Authority.
• Learn more about Iowa's Nonpoint Source Management Plan

Iowa Watershed Successes

Learn about how Iowans are improving the land for better water quality, including projects to improve trout fishing, to protect mussels, to give new life to well-loved recreational lakes and rivers, and more in our annual booklet, Working for Clean Water.

Read more Iowa watershed successes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).