Help Reduce Erosion and Support Healthy Streams
Grassed waterways are one of the most effective and often most overlooked, conservation practices supported by Pitt County Soil & Water. These gently-sloped, vegetated channels are designed to safely guide rainwater across fields without washing away valuable topsoil.
When heavy rainfall moves across bare or compacted ground, it can quickly create rills and gullies that damage cropland, limit access, and send sediment into nearby streams. Grassed waterways slow and direct that runoff, protecting the soil while filtering out sediment and nutrients. This helps keep farmland productive, reduces long-term maintenance needs, and improves downstream water quality for the entire community.
In Pitt County, grassed waterways are frequently used in areas where fields naturally drain or where water concentrates after storms. When paired with other conservation practices such as cover crops, field borders, or riparian buffers they provide long-lasting erosion control and stronger watershed protection.
Conservation staff can help landowners determine where a grassed waterway would be most effective and provide technical assistance through the NC Agricultural Cost Share Program.
Interested in installing a grassed waterway or learning more?
Call 252-902-1746