The Beloit City Council approves water quality trading agreements with three agricultural landowners.

Director of Water Resources Bill Frisbee says it’s cheaper for the City to pay for the the Phosphorus reduction practices at the properties rather than make upgrades at the waste water treatment plant.

Frisbee presented the details of water quality trading agreements with Lakeshore Farms 2 LLC, Wil Hu Acres LLC, and the Janice M. Britton Trust Monday night.

Frisbee says making the necessary improvements at the waste water treatment plant would have cost about $6.5 million, while the water quality trading costs about $75,000 a year.

Frisbee says he plans to bring additional similar agreements before the City Council in the coming months.