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Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program: Who Qualifies

Learn how rural municipalities and non-profits can access financing for essential water and sewer infrastructure projects.

This program provides financial assistance to help rural communities build, improve, or expand their essential water and sewer infrastructure.

Who it's for

This program is specifically designed to support rural municipalities and non-profit organizations. It is intended for these specific types of entities that serve rural areas and require assistance to maintain or develop the necessary systems for clean water and waste management.

What you get

The primary benefit of this program is access to financing for critical water and sewer infrastructure projects. This can include the development of new systems or the upgrading of existing water and waste disposal facilities to ensure they meet the needs of the community. By providing these funds, the program helps ensure that rural areas have the reliable infrastructure required for healthy living and sanitation.

What it costs you

While this program provides much-needed financial support, it is not a simple handout. Recipients must be prepared to manage the financial responsibilities that come with these funds. Specifically, using this program requires the implementation and adherence to long-term debt management plans. This ensures that the community can sustain the infrastructure once the initial funding has been applied.

The catch to know

The most important factor to check before applying is the income level of your community. Eligibility for this program is not universal for all rural areas; instead, it is strictly based on the median household income of your specific service area. If the income levels in your service area exceed the set thresholds, you may not be eligible for the assistance.

How to apply

  1. Confirm that your organization is either a rural municipality or a registered non-profit.
  2. Calculate or verify the median household income for your specific service area to ensure it meets the eligibility requirements.
  3. Develop a detailed plan for the specific water or sewer infrastructure improvements your community needs.
  4. Review the long-term debt management requirements to ensure your organization can sustain the project.
  5. Visit the official portal to begin the process: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-loan-grant-program