Extra pay offered to farmers to protect Auburn water

Extra pay offered to farmers to protect Auburn water

This article comes from News Channel Nebraska by Dan Swanson Click HERE to view the article on NCN's website

Auburn Board of Public Works recognizes link between stream quality and supply of drinking water

AUBURN – The Auburn Board of Public Works announced financial incentives to farmers operating in the wellhead protection area to establish cover crops, buffer strips and use no-till practices.

Utilities General Manager David Hunter said the goal is to slow soil erosion, improve soil health and reduce infiltration or runoff of nutrients to the groundwater and streams.

Auburn’s drinking water protection program recognizes a threat of nitrate contamination linked to streams in and around Auburn.

Federal programs already offer financial incentives for conservation practices and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy is making the Auburn Board of Public Works program eligible for additional incentives.

Contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service at its Auburn field office for more information.