Michigan Water Stewardship Program
The Michigan Water Stewardship Program (MWSP) is focused on improving the quality of Michigan’s groundwater and personal groundwater supply. The program is funded through surcharges assessed on pesticide and nitrogen fertilizer purchases (PA 216 of 1994). The funds are used to assist homeowners and farmers to implement changes that will reduce the risk of groundwater contamination on their property. The majority of funds are designed for on-site technical and educational assistance and financial assistance through the cost-share to implement practices that protect groundwater quality. For more information on the Michigan Water Stewardship Program see the MDA official website: MWSP Website
Program Features
Environmental Risk Assessment Farm*A*Syst
The Farmstead assessment system (Farm*A*Syst) is an environmental risk assessment of management practices, structures and site conditions at the farm headquarters. The assessment helps producers identify and reduce risks to both groundwater and surface water supplies. More than 15,000 Farm*A*Systs have been completed to help farmers with environmentally sound management practices.
Crop*A*Syst
The cropping assessment system (Crop*A*Syst) helps producers develop and implement a management plan to prevent contamination of groundwater and surface water in production fields, orchards and nurseries. Environmental Risk Assessments through the Michigan Water Stewardship Program are voluntary and confidential. For more information about MWSP, please contact Kyle Mead, Groundwater Technician for Van Buren and Allegan Counties at kyle.mead@mi.nacdnet.net
Other Services Offered By MWSP
Closing Abandoned Wells
Abandoned wells pose a health risk by acting as a conduit for contaminated surface water to move directly down to drinking water aquifers. Environmental risk assessments and financial assistance form the MWSP have resulted in the closure of more than 7,000 unused / unusable wells.
Emergency Farm Planning
More than 2,700 emergency farm plans have been developed for agricultural producers across the state. These plans provide vital information for farm workers and emergency service providers if an emergency occurs. The plans also assist producers with the important issue of agrichemical and application equipment security.
Groundwater Quality Monitoring
This water testing is designed to evaluate pesticide and nitrogen fertilizer contamination in Michigan’s groundwater. Samples are screened annually at no charge to the well owners. Well samples are screened for nitrates, nitrites and triazines.
Fun for the kids!
Water Cycle