To address phosphorus impairment in South Heron Lake and ensure sufficient storage in the watershed system, the Heron Lake Watershed District (HLWD) sought water resource management solutions and funding support. Our in-house water resource experts developed a multipurpose drainage management plan, and grant specialists identified funding support totaling $1.4 million to meet water quality goals. Clear communication garnered support, inspiring landowners to invest in water storage, thereby reducing nutrients and sediment entering the lake and mitigating flooding impacts.