Rural Water Grants

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is a federal mandate that was passed to ensure that all Americans have access to quality drinking water. Since this act was passed, federal grant projects have been developed to help people living in rural areas acquire and maintain clean water and sewage. Rural areas are usually low income and lack the financial means to make the necessary changes and renovations needed for adequate water supply and quality. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has an independent department that is dedicated to help solve issues in rural communities such as clean water. The department has established grants to support the safe drinking water initiative in rural areas.

Technical Assistance and Training Grants

• The Department of Rural Development awards technical assistance and training grants for rural water and environmental protection. The purpose of this grant is to identify and evaluate solutions to water problems such as storage, treatment and distribution, and waste problems such as collection treatment and disposal in rural areas. This grant program provides technical assistance to eligible associations. To apply for this grant, the applicant must be a nonprofit organization that operates for scientific, educational and charitable public purposes. The applicant must also display a proven ability and experience to complete projects similar to the grant initiative. Project awards vary depending on eligibility. Potential applicants should submit a detailed proposal and application electronically through grants.gov.

Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants

• Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants assist rural communities that have experienced a significant decline in quantity and quality of drinking water due to an emergency, or have an imminent projection of water decline. The emergency criteria covers droughts, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, disease outbreak, chemical spills and leaking incidents. Grants are awarded to fund waterline extensions, construction of new waterways, repairs to waterway systems, equipment replacement and program costs accrued six months after filed application. These grants are available to rural serving public bodies such as counties, townships, villages, boroughs and nonprofit organizations. Grant awards range from $150,000 to $500,000 depending on project needs. Applications should be submitted through a local USDA government office.

Individual Water and Waste Water Grants

• The Individual Water and Waste Water Grant was structured for individual households that are located in a cononia area. Cononia is an agriculturally worthless land located in floodplains or rural property within the states of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. These areas are usually impoverished and have problems with access to water and sewer services. Grants for people living in these areas are used to connect water service lines, pay utility hook-up fees, and install plumbing and related fixtures. To be eligible for this grant, individuals must be dwelling owners in a colonia area located in Arizona, California, New Mexico, or Texas, must pay income taxes, and must not be delinquent on any federal debt. Grant awards range from $3,500 to $5,000 depending on grant type. Applicants should apply with their local USDA Rural Development office.