Navigating Drainage and Water Quality
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Welcome to Rural Waters, ISG's e-newsletter dedicated to supporting rural drainage, lakes, streams, rivers, agriculture, and the environment.
With a balanced approach, ISG designs surface water systems with current technology to mitigate flood damage, minimize maintenance costs, and enhance yields, efficiencies, and water quality—delivering multi-benefit solutions.
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| The Impact of Conservation
in Drainage
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Conservation investments are making a measurable difference. For decades, Minnesota drainage authorities, landowners, and conservation partners have worked to balance productive farmland with healthy watersheds. Through Multipurpose Drainage Management (MDM) Plans, drainage projects identify opportunities to improve system performance while incorporating conservation practices that reduce erosion, increase water storage and infiltration, and support habitat.
ISG is proud to be part of the solution, helping implement conservation practices on public drainage systems across Minnesota. Since 2013, ISG has tracked conservation practices associated with drainage projects, documenting implementation efforts throughout the state. These investments are making drainage systems more resilient while improving water quality and supporting long-term watershed health.
What we're seeing:
- Minnesota's major rivers are showing reductions in phosphorus and
nitrogen loads. -
Long-term adoption of agricultural conservation practices is helping drive these improvements.
- Drainage projects continue to create opportunities for conservation-focused solutions that benefit both landowners and the environment.
The results are encouraging. Recent MPCA data shows that long-term conservation investments are helping reduce nutrient losses to the Mississippi River, demonstrating that drainage and conservation can work hand in hand to create healthier watersheds.
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Issues Facing Rural Drainage |
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| Change in Precipitation Patterns and Rainfall Intensity
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At the 2026 Annual Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) Conference, held in July, Chuck Brandel, Chris Hay, and Kelly Nelson participated in a drainage water recycling discussion led by Emily Perrot. During the conversation, Chuck and Chris highlighted the increasing annual precipitation trends being observed across the country, as illustrated by the National Climate Assessment below. In addition to receiving more precipitation overall, many areas are experiencing higher-intensity rainfall events, a trend documented by numerous agencies and research organizations.
These changing conditions have important implications for the drainage industry. Infrastructure that was once considered appropriately sized may no longer provide adequate capacity. As precipitation volumes and storm intensities increase, tile mains, open ditches, and storage basins may need to be reevaluated and expanded to accommodate future conditions.
Interested in learning more?
The Fifth National Climate Assessment provides additional data, analysis, and interactive maps that illustrate changing precipitation patterns and climate trends across the United States.
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Let's Connect: Upcoming Conferences |
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November 3–6, 2026
2026 NALMS
Kelowna, British Columbia
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Funding + Grant Opportunities |
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ISG's funding specialists excel in securing grants, having obtained over $45 million in public and private funding across the Midwest. Our connections with local, state, and federal agencies ensure swift, tailored grant applications that meet criteria and boost acceptance rates. Continuously updated on federal and state funding, our team navigates evolving programs, guiding clients toward optimal opportunities. With a focus on legislative awareness, we maximize funding and leverage every available dollar for impactful projects.
Check below for upcoming funding opportunities, success stories, and resources on navigating the complexities of grant applications for your drainage and water
quality initiatives.
BWSR Multipurpose Drainage Management
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis
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Next two quarterly deadlines for review are August 31 and November 30, 2026
- Current funding available: $394,507
- A perpetual conservation easement is required for wetland creations or wetland restorations
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More information can be found here
Wondering how to fund your upcoming projects? Let’s start planning!
Drainage water recycling, water storage, edge-of-field Best Management Practices (BMPs), and the incorporation of natural stream features can all be funded by grants. Reach out to us today to start brainstorming a grant funding plan for your upcoming projects! We’ll review your desired project timeline, discuss upcoming grant opportunities, and come up with a plan that works best for you.
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2026 Annual SWCS Conference
St. Louis, MO
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The 81st SWCS International Annual Conference brought together conservation professionals from across the country to share research, emerging technologies, and practical solutions related to soil and water conservation. ISG was represented by Chuck Brandel, Rose Mumbi, Mary Sahraei, and Emily Perrott, who presented and moderated sessions on watershed restoration, aquifer recharge, edge-of-field conservation practices, and drainage water recycling. Key conference themes included resilience, conservation technology and modeling, and the growing role of AI and digital tools in water resources management.
The conference also marked a professional milestone for Rose, Mary, and Emily, who graduated from the 2026 SWCS Emerging Leaders Program. Rose additionally began her term on the SWCS Board of Directors as the Emerging Leader Ex Officio Board Member, expanding ISG's leadership presence within the
conservation community.
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American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ASABE) Annual International Meeting
Indianapolis, IN
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Spencer Pech and Mary Sahraei attended ASABE's Annual International Meeting, where discussions focused on the future of agricultural water management and the technologies shaping the industry.
Presentation topics included:
- Agricultural water management and drainage practices
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Water quality improvement and nutrient reduction strategies
- Machine learning and AI application
- Precision agriculture tools and technologies
- Advanced modeling and data analytics for decision-making
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Water recycling and aquifer recharge initiatives
- Case studies from Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, and North Carolina
Beyond the technical sessions, Mary and Spencer connected with researchers, practitioners, and agency representatives from across the country, participated in discussions on emerging topics such as drainage and utility/solar development, and engaged with students and young professionals during a career fair.
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Drainage Night at the Mankato MoonDogs Game
Mankato, MN
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On July 22, ISG hosted our annual Drainage Night at ISG Field. Each year, we welcome drainage authorities, pipe suppliers, contractors, and other industry partners for an evening of networking, baseball, and conversation. This year, attendees joined us from multiple counties, and the Mankato MoonDogs put on quite a show, scoring 22 runs in a 22-10 victory over the Bismarck Larks. We hope you'll join us next year to enjoy great company and the beautiful view from the outfield suite at ISG Field!
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