Individual Water and Waste Water Grants

Individual Water and Waste Water Grants provide Government funds to households residing in an area recognized as a colonia before October 1, 1989. Grant funds may be used to connect service lines to a residence, pay utility hook-up fees, install plumbing and related fixtures, i.e. a bathroom sink, bathtub or shower, commode, kitchen sink, water heater, outside spigot, or bathroom, if lacking. These grants are available to households who own and occupy the dwelling. These grants are available only in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas.

Eligibility: Individual Water and Waste Water Grant applicants must meet the following requirements (applicants need not be age 62 or older):

(a) Own a dwelling located in a colonia and must present evidence of ownership (see Chapter 12 of HB-1-3550 for requirements).

(b) Have a total taxable income based on the latest Federal income tax form from all individuals residing in the household that is below the most recent poverty income guidelines established by the Department of Health and Human Services; and

(c) Must not be delinquent on any Federal debt.

Grant Restrictions:

(1) Maximum grant to any individual for water service lines, connections, and/or construction of a bathroom is $3,500.

(2) Maximum grant to any individual for sewer service lines, connections, and/or construction of a bathroom is $4,000.

(3) Lifetime assistance to any individual for initial or subsequent Section 306C WWD grants may not exceed a cumulative total of $5,000.

(4) Document the amount of assistance provided each grantee on a list of Section 306C WWD recipients and retain it in the office operational file.

Basic Instruction: 7 CFR Part 3550 and HB-1-3550, Appendix 8

For more information about this program, or to file an application, contact the local Rural Development office in your area.