Best Management Practices Best Management Practices (BMPs) capture proven approaches, lessons learned, and practical guidance developed in response to real-world water resources challenges, supporting coordinated and integrated water resources management across planning, operations, and long-term decision-making.Sharing these practices across the broader water resources community improves efficiency, strengthens coordination, and enhances the overall effectiveness of planning, operations, and long-term management.

This section brings together BMPs from federal agencies, states, research institutions, and partner organizations, offering actionable insights that can be adapted and applied across regions and disciplines using available federal water planning resources.

To locate a specific best management practice or narrow results by topic, enter a keyword in the Search Best Management Practices field.

Featured Best Management Practices

2010 Washington Metropolitan Area Drought Operations: Summary & Lessons Learned

Agency: Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB)

Description:
This report documents operational actions and lessons learned during the 2010 drought in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It was developed to support future drought response efforts by COOP partners and regional water utilities.

Focus Areas: Drought, Water Supply

2011 Post-Flood Report

Agency: Mississippi Valley Division

Description:
An in-depth review of the Great Flood of 2011, which placed unprecedented stress on the Mississippi River & Tributaries flood risk management system. The report evaluates system performance, documents flood response actions, and identifies opportunities to improve future resilience and recovery planning.

Focus Areas: Flood Risk Management, Emergency Response, Collaboration, Data, GIS, Risk Management

Regional Guidebook for Applying the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Approach

Agency: Engineer Research & Development Center (ERDC)

Description:
This guidebook applies the hydrogeomorphic (HGM) approach to assess wetland functions in depressional wetlands of the Upper Des Plaines River Basin, supporting consistent and science-based wetland evaluations.

Focus Areas: Wetlands, Ecosystems, Best Practices

Agricultural Best Management Practices

Agency: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

Description:
A collection of site-specific, economically feasible agricultural practices designed to reduce environmental impacts while protecting public health. These BMPs are guidance-based, adaptable, and reflect evolving technologies and farming operations.

Focus Areas: Agriculture, Best Practices

Applicability of Constructed Wetlands for Army Installations

Agency: Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL)

Description:
A review of strategies and considerations for designing and implementing constructed wetlands to support environmental management and infrastructure needs at Army installations.

Focus Areas: Wetlands

Beach Nourishment Best Practices

Agency: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

Description:
Outlines the essential steps, planning considerations, and implementation practices for successful beach nourishment projects along coastal shorelines.

Focus Areas: Coastal Management, Best Practices

Utility Maintenance BMPs in and Adjacent to Wetlands and Waterbodies

Agency: New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development

Description:
A guidance manual for electric, gas, and utility service providers outlining appropriate vegetation management and maintenance practices near jurisdictional wetlands and waterbodies to minimize environmental impacts.

Focus Areas: Conservation, Best Practices, Outreach & Education

Water Conservation Best Management Practices Guide (Texas)

Agency: Texas Water Development Board

Description:
A comprehensive guide offering conservation BMPs and cost-effectiveness tools for municipal, industrial, and agricultural water users. The guide supports planning and implementation of efficient water conservation programs statewide.

Focus Areas: Conservation, Best Practices, Public Education

Biodegradation for Treatment of POL-Contaminated Soil

Agency: Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL)

Description:
A report examining the use of biodegradation and bioremediation techniques to treat soils contaminated with petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL).

Focus Areas: Contaminants, Biodegradation, Soil Remediation

Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR)

Agency: Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL)

Description:
Provides technical information on biological nutrient removal processes for wastewater treatment facilities, with a focus on Army installations.

Focus Areas: Wastewater Treatment

Tribal Policy & Liaison Bookmark

Agency: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Tribal Nations Program

Description:
A reference tool highlighting tribal policy principles and outlining the role and responsibilities of tribal liaisons in water resources programs.

Focus Areas: Partnerships, Ecosystem Restoration, Flood Damage Reduction, Transboundary & Tribal Engagement