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Financial Help
Many organizations nationwide can provide the financial assistance you need to achieve and maintain regulatory compliance. While your state may be able to help you identify the best option, it is important to contact the organizations directly to make sure they can help meet your system’s financial needs.
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- On this page:
Loan and Grant Assistance
- EPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF)
Low-interest loans and other assistance to cover the costs of infrastructure projects; can also fund activities such as technical assistance and source water protection. - USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
Loans, grants, and loan guarantees for drinking water facilities in rural areas and in cities and towns with populations of 10,000 or less. - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Program
States can provide CDBG funding to small towns and rural communities. Water systems have used CDBG assistance to develop new sources and to upgrade treatment and distribution systems. - The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) Public Works and Economic Development Program
EDA offers grants that can fund water system construction or rehabilitation needed to generate or retain private-sector jobs and investments, attract new business, and support regional economies. - The Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) Revolving Loan Fund
Offers short-term financial assistance of up to $100,000 to cover pre-development costs associated with proposed water projects or other non-routine costs for existing water systems.
Resources
- Check Up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS)
User-friendly asset management software designed expecially for small drinking water and wastewater systems. - Sources of Technical and Financial Assistance for Small Drinking Water Systems (PDF) (23 pp, 1.5MB)
(EPA 816-K-02-005, July 2002) Additional information on the organizations listed above and other sources of financial assistance. - Asset Management: A Handbook for Small Public Water Systems – STEP Guide Series (PDF) (50 pp, 976K)
(EPA 816-R-03-016, September 2003) Learn how to inventory system assets and develop a long-term maintenance plan to save money and avoid unexpected problems. - Setting Small Drinking Water System Rates for a Sustainable Future – STEP Guide Series (PDF) (62 pp, 341K)
(EPA 816-R-05-006, January 2006) Information on the importance of recovering costs through user fees and developing a budget and financial plan. - Financing for Environmental Compliance
Provides a high-level financial planning process that can help your community determine needs and includes specific resources for water systems.
Training
Visit EPA’s Drinking Water Academy for information on upcoming EPA trainings and to download materials from past trainings and workshops.