PrintWhat does this program do?
Individual Water and Waste Water Grants (WWD) 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. bathroom sink, bathtub or shower, commode, kitchen sink, water heater, outside spigot, or bathroom, if lacking.
What is an eligible area?
The colonia must be located in a rural area (unincorporated areas and any city or town with a population not in excess of 10,000 inhabitants) and is identified as a community designated in writing by the State or county in which it is located; determined to be a colonia on the basis of objective criteria including lack of potable water supply, lack of adequate sewage systems, lack of decent, safe and sanitary housing, and inadequate roads and drainage; and existed and was generally recognized as a colonia before October 1, 1989. These grants are available only in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.
Who is eligible?
Section 306C WWD applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Own and occupy a dwelling located in a colonia and must present evidence of ownership.
- 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.
- Must not be delinquent on any Federal debt.
- There are no age restrictions.
How may funds be used?
Grant funds may be used to pay the reasonable costs for individuals to:
- Extend service lines from the system to a residence.
- Connect service lines to a residence’s plumbing.
- Pay reasonable charges or fees for connecting to a system.
- Pay for necessary installation of plumbing and related fixtures within dwellings lacking such facilities. This is limited to one bath tub, sink, commode, kitchen sink, water heater, and outside spigot.
- Construct and/or partition off a portion of the dwelling for a bathroom, not to exceed 4.6 square meters (48 square feet) in size.
- Pay reasonable costs for closing abandoned septic tanks and water wells when necessary to protect the health and safety of recipients of a grant.
- Make improvements to individual’s residence when needed to allow the use of the water and/or waste disposal system.
Grant Restrictions
- Maximum grant
- Maximum grant to any individual for water service lines, connections, and/or construction of a bathroom is $3,500.
- Maximum grant to any individual for sewer service lines, connections, and/or construction of a bathroom is $4,000.
- Lifetime assistance to any individual for initial or subsequent Section 306C WWD grants may not exceed a cumulative total of $5,000.
- Limitations on use of grant funds
Section 306C WWD grant funds may not be used to:
- Pay any debt of obligation of the grantee other than obligations incurred for grant purposes.
- Pay individuals for their own labor.
- Pay costs that are not considered reasonable by the Agency.
How do we get started?
Applications for this program are accepted year round. Please apply through your local Rural Development Office.
Who can answer questions?
Contact your local USDA Rural Development office.
What governs this program?
- Basic Instruction: 7 CFR Part 3550, Subpart C and HB-1-3550, Appendix 8
Why does USDA Rural Development do this?
The objective of this program is to facilitate the use of community water and/or waste disposal systems by the residents of colonias along the U.S./Mexico border.
NOTE: Program details may change over time. Before you begin an application, please confirm you have the most current information by contacting a housing specialist in your local office for assistance.