Water Quality Division

WQ Priority Watershed Projects

Implementing watershed projects to protect water quality is a major function of the OCC Water Quality Division. The purpose of water quality projects is to improve water quality by reducing the amount of nonpoint source pollution flowing from land into lakes, rivers, and streams. Projects focus on demonstrating nonpoint source pollution prevention and abatement techniques, often referred to as best management practices (BMPs).

Many OCC projects involve educating landowners about the effectiveness of BMPs, and assisting them through cost-share programs to voluntarily install appropriate BMPs on their property. Most projects originate from the Priority Watersheds Program.

Priority Watershed Projects are often collaborative efforts among OCC, conservation districts, federal and state partners, and landowners. Projects are located in priority watersheds selected by the NPS Working Group. Success of Priority Watershed Projects is determined by water quality monitoring and by the Paired Watersheds Method.