Planning and Managing a Successful
Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Project
The Rural Clean Water Program Experience
Significant progress has been made in reducing water pollution caused by point sources since the
Clean Water Act was passed. However, much work remains to be done to reduce nonpoint
source (NPS) pollutants that impair the quality of streams, rivers, lakes, ground water, and other
bodies of water throughout the United States.
Many local government officials, as well as citizens, are becoming increasingly interested in
taking action to address local water quality problems caused primarily by nonpoint source
pollutants. There is also a heightened awareness that water quality problems do not occur in
isolation; many activities within a watershed affect the quality of water resources. Surface and
ground waters are frequently connected, so management strategies aimed at protecting water
quality must often be designed to address the impacts of human activities on a watershed basis
for both surface water and ground water.
This fact sheet is designed to provide information to local and state government officials and
staff, concerned citizens, educational and technical assistance agencies, landowners, and farmers
interested in protecting or restoring water quality. Specific steps are outlined for:
Deciding whether a water quality project is viable, based upon available information,
Documenting the water quality problem and its source,
Defining specific project objectives and goals,
Involving potential participants and other community members in planning and
implementing the project,
Securing funding,
Clarifying agency roles and organizing a project,
Defining the critical area,
Choosing a land treatment approach, and
Designing a monitoring and evaluation plan.
Designing a Successful Voluntary Nonpoint Source Pollution
Control Project
Choose a Viable Project
The first step in planning a successful nonpoint source pollution control project is to identify a
water resource with water quality needing restoration or protection. Focus on a water resource
that is valued by the community and a problem that is neither too complex nor too difficult to
solve in a reasonable amount of time. Talk to or formally survey community members who live
and work in the vicinity of the water resource. Find out whether they believe that there is a water
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