NOW is the time to get the help you need to invest in clean water practices.
The Center for Water Quality Excellence (CWQE) is a support center that helps farmers, local governments, businesses and organizations better understand and navigate planning, implementation and funding opportunities in urban and agricultural stormwater management. The CWQE is a pilot program operating in Lancaster and York counties in 2021-2023 and is funded by the PA Investment Infrastructure Authority, otherwise known as PENNVEST.
Support is provided through in-person consultations and a web-based interactive Support Hub and Knowledge Base Library. (See sidebar for more details.)
Only those located in Lancaster and York counties can request personalized assistance; however, the online Support Hub’s library of resources can be accessed by the general public. The online Support Hub launched in mid-July 2021.
By providing clarity and guidance on grants, loans, incentives, and public-private partnerships, the Center’s staff will help to support the local implementation of stormwater management practices on both agricultural and developed land to improve the quality of Pennsylvania waterways.
As stormwater coaches, the CWQE staff will help assess your current needs and provide guidance on selecting appropriate funding vehicles. We will coach you on the ins and outs of schedules, program restrictions, application processes, and administrative responsibilities. We will share creative finance solutions and collaborations that blend public and private sector resources to help move your project from planned to implemented.
CWQE’s activities include:
CWQE Support Hub
An online self-service support portal available 24/7 (https://support.cwqe.org) allows you to ask questions, request support and search a digital library of stormwater resources. An intuitive SEARCH tool provides access to helpful articles, program news, program profiles, subject matter articles, and links to high quality resources. The Support Hub resources are accessible to the public at no charge.
Request Assistance
One-on-one support is available to interested farmers, local government entities, organizations and institutional and business landowners within Lancaster and York counties.
You can request assistance through the Support Hub or by calling 855-227-1202. CWQE staff will help move you to the next level of planning, design, or implementation with information, support, points of contact, program expectations, and application details.
Mobile Education Center
A van equipped with CWQE resources takes services on the road targeting key events. Call 855-227-1202 to request a mobile CWQE visit to your event.
Technology Tools
Web-based maps and easy-to-use technology tools facilitate the implementation and management of best management practices (BMPs). For example, tools assist with assessing farm conservation needs, tracking of fertilizer use, and inspecting urban stormwater BMPs.
PESTlogics SaaS, Farm*A*Syst, and BMP inspection tools are available.