Cost Share Programs - Agricultural Cost Share Program (ACSP)

Water Control Structure

A Water Control Structure means a permanent structure placed in a farm canal, ditch, or subsurface drainage conduit (drain tile or tube), which provides control of the stage or discharge of surface and/or subsurface drainage. The management mechanism on the structure may be flashboards, gates, valves, risers, or pipes.

The primary purpose of the water control structure is to improve water quality by elevating the water table and reducing drainage outflow. A secondary purpose is to restore hydrology in riparian buffers to the extent practical. Elevating the water table promotes denitrification and lower nitrate levels in drainage water from cropping systems and minimizes the effects of short-circuiting of drainage systems passing through riparian buffers. Other benefits may include reduced pollution from other dissolved and sediment-attached substances, reduced downstream sedimentation and reduced storm water surges of fresh water into estuarine area.

This practice is not intended to be used to control water inflow from tidal influence (i.e., no tide gates).

Maintenance Period	10 years
BMP Units	Each
Required Effects	Acres affected - (drainage area) Nitrogen saved Phosphorus saved
JAA/NRCS Standards	ENG – 587 – Structures for Water Control – flash board riser ENG – 378 – Pond – in-line structures ENG – 554 – Drainage Water Management - (supporting practice)
Cost Information	Average cost (75% or 90%)
CS2 Reference Materials	NC-ACSP 11 Signature Page Map with BMP location, fields and roads NC-CSPs-WCS form
Additional Spot-check Requirements	None

ACSP Policy Summary

Water Control Structure

CS2 Common Components

Water Control Structure Common Components

Design Standards