Watershed-Based Plans
Announcement – Nevada Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction 319(h) Grant Funding Opportunity
The NDEP Nonpoint Source Branch is currently soliciting proposals for watershed-based planning efforts or implementation projects that mitigate or protect waters from nonpoint source pollution. Details are provided in the 319(h) Grant Funding Opportunity solicitation below.
Nevada Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction 319(h) Grant Funding Opportunity (posted 9/22/2025)
Proposals will be accepted until November 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST. The first round of proposal reviews will be taking place the week of November 17, 2025.
For any questions or more information about the 319(h) Grant Funding Opportunity or the Nonpoint Source Program, please contact:
Christian H. Fritsen
Supervisor, Nonpoint Source Pollution Branch
Bureau of Water Quality Planning
Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
901 S. Stewart Street, Suite 4001
Carson City, Nevada 89701
Email: cfritsen [at] ndep.nv.gov
Phone: (775) 687-9558
Draft State Management Plan: 2025-2029 Nonpoint Source Pollution State Management Plan
About Watershed-Based Planning
A watershed approach is the most effective way to manage today’s water resource challenges. A watershed plan that follows such an approach is described by nine elements outlined by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
The nine elements include:
- Identify causes and sources of pollution
- Estimate pollutant loading into the watershed and the expected load reductions
- Describe management measures that will achieve load reductions and targeted critical areas
- Estimate amounts of technical and financial assistance and the relevant authorities needed to implement the plan
- Develop an information/education component
- Develop a project schedule
- Describe the interim, measurable milestones
- Identify indicators to measure progress
- Develop a monitoring component
Several watershed plans have been developed in Nevada and accepted by US EPA. They include:
The Carson River Adaptive Management Plan
The Las Vegas Wash Comprehensive Adaptive Management Plan
The Lake Tahoe TMDL Implementation Plan
Local watershed groups are encouraged to develop watershed plans, as implementation of water quality improvements have access to a larger funding pool if a plan exists.
NDEP anticipates opening a Grant Funding Opportunity for watershed planning and new implementation projects in the upcoming month.
Please reach out to NDEP - Nonpoint Source Pollution Grants email (ndepnpsgrants [at] ndep.nv.gov) if there are questions about grant funding opportunities.