NY Source Water Buffer Program Grant

The NY Source Water Buffer Program, administered by the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, aims to protect public drinking water and enhance water quality. With approximately $5 million available through the Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017, the program funds conservation easements and projects that establish riparian buffers on farmland. These vital buffers improve water quality by filtering runoff, ensuring safe drinking water for future generations.

NOTE: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in learning more or participating in the Source Water Buffer Program, contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District.
The Source Water Buffer Program is administered by the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, in coordination with the Department. The goal of the program is to protect public drinking water and to enhance water quality protection. The Source Water Buffer Program funds the purchase of conservation easements and projects that establish riparian buffers on farmland that borders critical water sources.
Funding for the program is provided through the Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017. Approximately $5 million is available to support the purchase of conservation easements and the implementation of buffer systems, which filter surface runoff or shallow groundwater to protect the water quality of New York State's aquifers, watersheds, reservoirs, lakes, rivers, and streams.
Benefits
Vegetated or forested buffers are extremely effective practices to improve and protect water quality and mitigate nutrient pollution. The Source Water Buffer Program provides long-term protection of these areas to positively impact water quality for future generations.
The program will cost share up to 75%, the purchase of perpetual conservation easements or 50-year term conservation easements.
Funds may also be used to install or enhance vegetated or forested buffers within the easement area.
Funding
Funding in the amount of $5,000,000 will be available for awards under this Request for Applications.