319 Grants
Funding for landowners
After completing a watershed-based plan, Upstate Forever works to secure grant funding that helps landowners address pollutants of concern in watersheds with drinking water intakes.
These grants, known as "319 grants," are awarded by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) and can be used to fund projects within a target watershed that reduce bacteria, nutrients, sediment, and other contaminants. Qualifying projects include septic tank repairs, agricultural drip irrigation, livestock fencing, and even land protection via conservation easements. Based on eligibility, Upstate Forever can offer landowners up to 60% of the cost of these projects!
Find out if you are eligible What is a watershed-based plan?
Impacts of pollutants
Bacteria, nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, and sediment are all pollutants of concern, especially in watersheds with drinking water intakes. Elevated levels of these pollutants can negatively affect water quality by impacting aquatic habitats, filling in lakes, and causing increased (and more costly) water-filtration needs. They can even affect recreation from a human-health standpoint. Improving water quality through on-the-ground projects ensures safe, affordable, and reliable drinking water and water we all love to recreate in.
How does it work?
Homeowners that live within watersheds with approved 319 Grants are eligible for cost-share assistance for projects such as septic tank repairs, agricultural projects like livestock fencing, and even land protection with conservation easements. Based on eligibility, Upstate Forever can provide up to 60% of the cost of projects!
Active Watersheds
Currently, Upstate Forever has access to 319 grant and other funding available for projects in these watersheds:
- 3&20 Creek Watershed (Anderson and Pickens Counties)
- Lake Keowee Watersheds (Oconee and Pickens Counties) through the Lake Keowee Source Water Protection Team
- Tigerville-Area Subset of the Tyger River Watersheds (Greenville County)
find out if you are eligible:
- Use the map below to determine if your home is located within one of our project boundaries
- Contact Clean Water Specialist Rebecca Wade at rwade@upstateforever.org or (864) 520-8969 if you are interested in learning more!
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Water is our planet's most precious natural resource, and Upstate Forever is working to safeguard both the quantity and quality of water in our region. Sign up to receive our Clean Water team's quarterly newsletter dedicated to clean water issues and advocacy. See past issues here
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