Water Quality Credits: Funding Conservation with Prairie Strips
Turning Conservation into a Market-Based Solution
At Prairie Guardians, we are dedicated to protecting rivers and lakes from farm runoff pollution. Our innovative approach uses prairie strips—a proven conservation practice—to reduce nutrient runoff, restore soil health, and improve water quality. Now, through water quality trading, we can turn this impact into valuable water quality credits for businesses, municipalities, and industries looking to meet regulatory requirements.
What Are Water Quality Credits?
Water quality credits, also known as nutrient credits, represent the reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into waterways. Many industries and municipalities must reduce their nutrient pollution to comply with Clean Water Act regulations. Instead of costly infrastructure upgrades, they can purchase credits from verified conservation projects—like our prairie strips.
How Prairie Strips Improve Water Quality
Prairie strips are strategically planted native grasses and wildflowers that:
✔ Reduce nitrogen and phosphorus runoff by up to 90%
✔ Prevent soil erosion and retain moisture in farm fields
✔ Support biodiversity by providing habitat for pollinators and wildlife
✔ Filter stormwater before it reaches rivers, lakes, and drinking water supplies
Who Can Buy Water Quality Credits?
Water quality trading is an innovative way for regulated entities to meet their compliance goals while supporting on-the-ground conservation. Our credits are ideal for:
- Municipal wastewater treatment plants needing to offset nutrient discharge
- Industrial facilities with stormwater runoff requirements
- Agricultural businesses looking to improve sustainability
- Corporations with environmental commitments and ESG goals
How It Works
- We establish prairie strip projects on farmland near high-priority watersheds.
- The nutrient reduction impact is measured using verified tracking tools.
- Businesses & municipalities purchase credits to meet their regulatory needs.
- Revenue from credits funds more conservation, expanding our impact.
Join Us in Protecting Waterways
By purchasing water quality credits from Prairie Guardians, you’re not just meeting compliance requirements—you’re investing in real conservation that benefits communities, wildlife, and future generations.
Get Started Today
Are you interested in buying water quality credits or partnering with us? Contact us today to learn more about how we can work together to protect water while meeting your sustainability goals.