Section 319 of the Clean Water Act is North Dakota’s primary funding source for addressing nonpoint source pollution. Funds are provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to states, which distribute funding to local sponsors through a competitive process. Section 319 includes five main project types:

• Watershed Projects (BMP Implementation)
• Information and Education
• Assessment
• Support
• Demonstration/Pilot

Application Materials:

• Application Timeline
• Watershed and Support Project - PIP Guide
• Watershed and Support Project - PIP Template
• Information and Education Project - Work Plan Guide
• Information and Education Project - Work Plan Template
• Budget Tables Excel Form

Implementation:

• BMP Guidelines

Reporting:

• Annual Report Guidelines
• Final Report Guidelines for Watershed Projects
• Final Report Guidelines for Information/Education Projects

Factsheets:

• 319 Program Factsheet
• Watershed Project Factsheet

Watershed projects often begin with an observed water quality concern, such as elevated nutrients, algal blooms, or declining biological condition. A structured water quality monitoring and assessment approach is needed to understand underlying causes and support effective project design. Assessment projects are developed in coordination with a local project sponsor. If you are interested in an Assessment or learning more about the water quality in your area, please contact the NPS Program Coordinator.

• Grant Information and Application Process
• EPA Stakeholder Engagement Guide
• Final Report Guidelines for Assessment Projects

The Septic Renovation Water Quality Initiative provides a targeted, practice-based approach to reducing nonpoint source pollution loading to surface and groundwater, helping address water quality issues such as harmful algal blooms (HABs) and bacterial contamination through renovation of failing septic systems.

2026 Timeline

• August 10, 2026: Local project sponsor application open.
• September 4, 2026: Draft application DEQ review and comment deadline (optional). Applicants may submit their draft application to DEQ.
• September 30, 2026: Final application deadline.
• October 2026: Local projects selected.
• November 2026: Funds awarded.

For more information please contact: Liz Smith - (701) 328-7371 - ecsmith@nd.gov

Toolkit and Resources:

• 2026 SRWQI Grant Application Instructions
• 2026 SRWQI Grant Application Template
• Septic Renovation Program Guidelines
• 2026 SRWQI Sample Rebate Contract
• 2026 SRWQI Sample Request for Rebate Payment
• Septic Renovation Water Quality Initiative Map (BETA)
• Sources of Septic Renovation Funding
• EPA Septic Systems Information
• North Dakota Local Public Health Units Directory
• NDDEQ On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems