Draft guidance chapters

Join us November 5 for an informational public webinar. Register in advance on Zoom. 

We invite you to review and comment on the following:

• Voluntary Clean Water Guidance for Agriculture
  • Ch. 2 – Crop Systems 
  • Ch. 3 – Nutrient Management
  • Ch. 4 – Pesticide Management
  • Ch. 5 – Sediment Control
  • Ch. 7 – Irrigation Management
  • Ch. 8 – Subsurface Drainage Management
  • Ch. 9 – Runoff Control 
  • Ch. 13 – Suites of Practices
  • Ch. 11 – Livestock Managment - Amendments

Make a comment online, using our comment form and selecting the document you are commenting on. Comments can also be submited via mail.

Clean Water Guidance for Agriculture

We are developing the Voluntary Clean Water Guidance for Agriculture alongside the current Nonpoint Plan update. This guidance document is a technical resource for agricultural producers that recommends site-specific best management practices (BMPs) to protect water quality. It is intended to support healthy farms while helping producers meet clean water standards.

Chapters are developed using best available science and in coordination with our advisory groups including representatives from state agencies, Conservation Districts, agriculture producer groups, environmental organizations, and Tribal representatives. 

Once completed and submitted to EPA, the Voluntary Clean Water Guidance for Agriculture will consist of 14 chapters. We previously submitted five chapters to EPA and plan to submit the remaining eight chapters alongside the 2025 Nonpoint Plan Update.

Visit the guidance webpage or read the focus sheet to learn more.