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Source verified July 23, 2026
Dufferin Rural Water Quality Program
Funding for rural water quality projects
Latest source updateLast Update: August 14, 2026Latest change: The Livestock Feeding and Silage Management infosheet was expanded with revised action steps, especially for silage effluent handling and feeding best practices.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 14, 2026
Latest change: The Livestock Feeding and Silage Management infosheet was expanded with revised action steps, especially for silage effluent handling and feeding best practices.
Livestock Feeding and Silage Management Infosheet Updated
The Livestock Feeding and Silage Management infosheet now shows expanded guidance on silage effluent management, including collection, transfer, and storage options, along with updated instructions for lining, covering, and structural maintenance of silos. It also adds more detailed livestock feeding and genetics guidance, with a revised presentation of recommended action and monitoring steps across the document. The contact block moved slightly, but no new program contact endpoint is evident.
Funding available
$ 5,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The program provides financial assistance to help improve water quality in Dufferin County. It supports best management practices such as fencing, tree planting, cover crops, well work, and erosion control.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Enhance an existing program
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Livestock fencing and crossings
- Clean water diversion and erosion control
- Tree planting, wetland creation, and cover crops
- Nutrient management and crop nutrient planning
- Well decommissioning and well upgrades
Documents Needed
- An Environmental Farm Plan
- A design created in AgErosion software for erosion control structure applications
- A printout or electronic summary from the NMAN Program for nutrient management plan applications
- A copy of the existing well record, if available, for well decommission or well upgrade applications
- A plan outlining the proposed project for innovative projects
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Farmers
- Rural landowners
- Agricultural landowners in Dufferin County
- Ontario residents with eligible rural property
Who is not eligible
- Applicants without agricultural or rural land in Dufferin County
- Projects that are new operations or building expansions
- Projects that increase herd capacity
Eligible expenses
- Materials and supplies
- Professional, design, engineering, and supervision fees
- Required permits and fees
- Contractor labour for approved projects
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Labour and machinery use of the applicant, family dependents, or the applicant’s business
- HST when the applicant is entitled to a rebate
- New operations, new buildings, and expansions to increase herd capacity
- Primary research and farm equipment purchases
Eligible geographic areas
- Dufferin County, Ontario
Selection criteria
- Potential to improve and protect water quality
- Priority is given to projects with higher water-quality benefits
- Projects are reviewed by a local committee with agricultural and municipal representation
How to apply
- Complete an Environmental Farm Plan and submit it for confidential review to the EFP workshop Leader.
- Contact Rural Water Quality Program staff at your local Conservation Authority to verify that your proposed project meets the guidelines and arrange a site visit.
- Submit the application to CA staff.
Processing and Agreement
- Submit the application to local Conservation Authority staff.
- A local review committee evaluates the project for water-quality benefits.
- If approved, the applicant is notified in writing to proceed.
- After completion, staff inspect the project before payment is issued.
- Payment is made after the required paperwork is submitted and reviewed.
Additional information
- Environmental Farm Plan completion is required before payment.
- Projects may be combined with other funding sources, up to 100% of total costs.
- Retroactive applications may be accepted for recent completed projects.
- Funds are allocated on a priority basis for projects with higher water-quality benefits.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dufferin Rural Water Quality Program Program
What is the Dufferin Rural Water Quality Program?
The program provides financial assistance to help improve water quality in Dufferin County. It supports best management practices such as fencing, tree planting, cover crops, well work, and erosion control.
How much funding can be received?
Dufferin Rural Water Quality Program Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Dufferin Rural Water Quality Program program?
To be eligible for the Dufferin Rural Water Quality Program program, you must:
Ontario resident applicant
Agricultural or rural property
Project in Dufferin County
What expenses are eligible under Dufferin Rural Water Quality Program?
Livestock fencing and crossings
Clean water diversion and erosion control
Tree planting, wetland creation, and cover crops
Nutrient management and crop nutrient planning
Well decommissioning and well upgrades
Who can I contact for more information about the Dufferin Rural Water Quality Program?
You can contact Town of Amaranth (GRCA) by email at ruralwater@grandriver.ca or by phone at 519-621-2763 x2242.
Where is the Dufferin Rural Water Quality Program available?
The Dufferin Rural Water Quality Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Dufferin Rural Water Quality Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Dufferin Rural Water Quality Program is a Grant and Funding