Drinking Water and Wastewater Program

California State Water Resources Control Board

What does it fund?

This program provides grants for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects, with a focus on disadvantaged communities (DACs).  Up to 10% of the drinking water and wastewater funds may be used for technical assistance (TA) and capacity building in DACs.   

Drinking Water grants

Funds support the planning and construction of drinking water infrastructure projects that improve access to safe drinking water and compliance with state and federal water quality standards.

Wastewater grants

Funds support wastewater planning and construction projects, with priority for septic-to-sewer conversions that include local investment, with an emphasis on DACs.

Who is eligible for funds?

Drinking Water grants

Public agencies, nonprofit organizations, public utilities, mutual water companies, Tribal governments, State Water Board-appointed public water system administrators, and technical assistance providers.

Wastewater grants

Public agencies, 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, National Estuary Programs, Tribal governments, and any designated and approved management agency under Section 208 of the Clean Water Act.

How does this program provide benefits to priority populations?

This program prioritizes funding for drinking water and wastewater projects in disadvantaged communities and low-income households.

Drinking water grants: Improves access to safe and reliable drinking water by

1. Addressing community and school water systems that are failing;

2. Accelerating consolidations for failing systems and support planning where those projects can benefit nearby domestic well communities with contamination issues;

3. Expediting planning through use of TA for failing systems;

4. Continuing existing programs to support communities served by state smalls and domestic wells;

5. Ensuring assistance is distributed in a manner consistent with the goals and direction provided in the State Water Resources Control Board’s (State Water Board’s) Racial Equity Resolution and associated Racial Equity Action Plan.

Wastewater grants: Reduces pollution risks by transitioning septic systems to sewer infrastructure.

How do I access funds?

Applications are accepted year-round. Check the program websites for further updates and information. Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

Funds are administered consistent with the eligibilities, conditions, and process set forth in the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Intended Use Plans, respectively. The TA funds will be administered consistent with the eligibilities, conditions, and processes set forth in the Policy for Developing the Fund Expenditure Plan for the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund, and in the Fund Expenditure Plan, for the applicable fiscal year.

Funding timeline

Applications are accepted year around.

For questions about the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, email DrinkingWaterSRF@waterboards.ca.gov.

For inquiries regarding the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, email CleanWaterSRF@waterboards.ca.gov.

For general inquiries, please call (916) 327-9978.

Cumulative Statistics

This is a new program and has not yet implemented any GGRF funds.