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 Project - PIP Guidance
• Information/Education Project - PIP Guidance

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 supports water quality improvement through the renovation of failing septic systems. Funded through a Clean Water State Revolving Fund set-aside, this initiative provides a targeted, practice-based approach to reducing NPS pollutant loading to surface and groundwater.

The Septic Renovation Water Quality Initiative is NEW in 2026. The following items are provided in DRAFT format to support program development. Final versions will be posted when they are available.

• Septic Renovation Program Guidelines DRAFT
• Provides information for local sponsors and partners on the administration and implementation of septic renovation projects supported through the Initiative
• Septic Renovation Water Quality Initiative Map BETA
• An online interactive map tool which supports basic eligibility screening and provides local water quality considerations to assist local sponsors with identifying priority areas
• 2026 SRWQI Grant Application & Instructions DRAFT
• It is anticipated that the 2026 grant program will be open for local sponsor applications on or about July 1, 2026 and will CLOSE in 30 days.
• The draft application is a good representation of the type of information that will be needed to apply.
• Final versions of these documents will be posted when they are available.

Expected 2026 Timeline

• May: Toolkit with draft documents available for review and comment
• July: Local sponsor 30-day application window
• August: Application review and ranking. Applicants may be contacted to provide additional information.
• September: Local projects awarded

Potential local project sponsors and other interested parties are encouraged to review these documents and provide feedback to the project developers by May 31, 2026. For questions, comments, or to submit feedback about this initiative please contact: Liz Smith - (701) 328-7371 - ecsmith@nd.gov

Draft Toolkit and Resources:

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