Guidance on Finding Funding for Public and Private Sanitary Wastewater Systems

What is the California State Water Resources Control Board?
The California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Water Boards) are dedicated to abundant clean water for human uses and environmental protection to sustain California's future. Through regulation and implementation of state and federal laws, the State and Regional Water Boards have responsibility for protecting the water quality of nearly 1.6 million acres of lakes, 1.3 million acres of bays and estuaries, 211,000 miles of rivers and streams, and about 1,100 miles of exquisite California coastline.

What is this webpage about?
Inadequate sanitation for communities can lead to public health and water quality concerns. This webpage includes guidance on potential funding sources for sanitary wastewater system projects, including private sanitary systems (e.g., individual septic and sewer systems serving a residence or dwelling unit).  

Why was this webpage developed?
Many of the funding sources included on this webpage are separate from the State Water Board’s funding programs. The intent of this webpage is to provide the public with guidance on additional funding sources as one part of supporting the overall goal of California communities and community members having equitable access to safe, affordable, and reliable sanitation.

What funding may apply to my sanitary wastewater system? 
The steps and resources in this guidance will vary depending on applicant category. Use the table below to determine the correct applicant category for a specific system based on applicant type. Then, navigate to the appropriate tab.

Applicant Type Applicant Category Tab

Public Agency
Utility District
Tribe
Non-profit Organization
College/University
Business

Entity

For Entities

Homeowner
Property Owner

Individual

For Individuals

Disclaimer: All guidance materials posted on this website are intended to provide the public with general information on how to find potentially available sanitary wastewater system funding programs from a State Water Board staff perspective. The materials herein are for informational use only and are not intended to guarantee funding availability or intended to guarantee an applicant’s eligibility for funding. Applicants should consult the appropriate authority to confirm funding availability, eligibility, and other specifics regarding the listed funding programs.

The steps below outline the process to find potential funding programs for entities. Entities are primarily eligible for funding from federal government agencies, state government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private organizations for sanitary wastewater system projects.

“Entities” generally refers to applicants such as public agencies, utility districts, tribes, non-profit organizations, colleges/universities, and businesses.

“Sanitary wastewater system projects” or “projects” generally refers to projects involving the planning, design, and/or construction of sewage management infrastructure, such as new, upgrades for, or repairs for sewage collection, treatment, or disposal/reuse facilities.


Begin by gathering important background information about the project. This background information will help with searching for funding programs and determining potential funding eligibility for the project.

Questions to Consider:

  • What is the project type that needs to be funded?
    • For example, is the project for...
      • The planning, design, or construction of new sanitary wastewater infrastructure, such as a wastewater treatment or reuse facility?
      • The planning, design, or construction of upgrades or repairs for an existing sanitary wastewater system?
      • A community septic-to-sewer conversion?
  • What is the geographic location of the project?
    • Is it a statewide or local (e.g., county, city, district) project?
    • Are there any special considerations for the project location? For example, is the project located...
      • On tribal land?
      • In a border or colonia community?
      • In a low-income or disadvantaged community?
      • In a rural or unincorporated community?
      • In a small community?
  • What type of financial aid is desired by the entity?
    • A grant? (traditionally does not require repayment)
    • A loan? (traditionally requires repayment)
    • An alternate financial instrument, like bond financing, revolving loan fund, or federal contract?
  • What, if any, current or past funding has already been allocated to the project? For example, has the entity already received project funds or technical assistance through...
    • A federal, state, local, or other grant?
    • A loan?
    • An alternate financial instrument, like bond financing, revolving loan fund, federal contract, or another source?


Use the following strategies and resources to find potential funding programs for the project. The information gathered in Step 1 may be useful since funding programs have varying eligibility requirements (e.g., location and applicant type).

Refer to Agencies and Organizations Offering Sanitary Wastewater System Funding Programs for Entities
The following is a list of government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private organizations that offer sanitary wastewater system funding programs for entities, and examples of currently offered programs (current as of 7-26-2023).

Federal Government Agencies:

State Government Agencies:

Non-Profit Organizations:

Private Organizations:

Search Funding Portals
Use funding portals, such as those below, to search for potential funding programs. Portals allow for the filtering of results based on several factors to show potential funding programs that may meet specific project needs.

  • California Grants: Offered by the California State Library, this portal helps applicants to “find grants and loans offered on a competitive or first-come basis by California state agencies.”
  • EPA Water Finance Clearinghouse: Offered by the U.S. EPA, this portal “helps communities locate information and resources that will assist them in making informed decisions for their drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure needs.”
  • Funding Navigation for California Communities: Offered by CivicWell, this portal “offers the most prominent funding opportunities for local governments and communities.”
  • Grants.Gov: Offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this portal “provides a centralized location for grant seekers to find and apply for federal funding opportunities.”

Search Funding Compilation Lists and Handbooks



Not sure how to apply or get started?

The following government agencies and non-profit organizations offer technical assistance (TA) programs that may help entities fund, develop, and/or implement wastewater projects. Please keep in mind that TA may be competitive and subject to availability.

Federal Government Agencies:

State Government Agencies:

Non-Profit Organizations:

The steps below outline the process to find potential funding programs for individuals. Individuals are primarily eligible for funding from federal government agencies (e.g., U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), local government agencies, and non-profit organizations for private sanitary systems.

“Individuals” refers to applicants such as homeowners (i.e., persons owning residential property) and property owners (i.e., persons owning non-residential property, such as commercial or industrial property).

“Private sanitary systems” refers to projects involving the planning, design, and/or construction of an individual’s sewage management infrastructure (e.g., new, upgrades for, or repairs for an onsite wastewater treatment system such as septic systems, sewer systems, or sewer connections).

Funding programs for private sanitary systems primarily include:

  • A housing rehabilitation funding program for home repairs, including septic and sewer systems.
  • A funding program that is specifically designed to cover septic and sewer systems.

Begin by gathering important background information about your case. This background information will help with searching for funding programs and determining potential funding eligibility.

Questions to Consider:

  • Are you a homeowner or property owner?
    • If you are a homeowner, do you own and occupy your home or do you rent the home to tenants?
  • What type of home or property do you own?
    • If you own a home, is it a...
      • Single-family residence?
      • Mobile home?
      • Multi-unit residence?
  • Where is your home or property located?
    • Is it located...
      • On tribal land?
      • In a border or colonia community?
      • In a rural or unincorporated community?
      • In a small community?
  • What is your household income?
  • What kind of repair are you looking for?
    • Sewer lateral repair or replacement?
    • Septic system repair or replacement?
    • Connection to a public sewer system?
    • Other septic or sewer repair?


Use the following strategies and resources to find potential funding programs for your private sanitary system. The information gathered in Step 1 may be useful since funding programs have varying eligibility requirements (e.g., income, location, property type, and dwelling occupancy status).

Refer to Agencies and Organizations Offering Private Sanitary System Funding Programs for Individuals
The following is a list of government agencies and non-profit organizations that offer private sanitary system funding programs for individuals, and examples of currently offered programs (current as of 7-26-2023).

Federal Government Agencies:

Non-Profit Organizations:

Search Funding Portals
Use funding portals, such as those below, to search for potential funding programs and other forms of financial assistance. Portals allow for the filtering of results based on several factors to show potential funding programs that may meet specific private sanitary system needs.

  • Benefits Finder: Offered by the U.S. Department of Labor, this portal allows “citizens to determine their eligibility for state and federal benefit programs.”
  • FindHelp.org: Offered by FindHelp, this portal helps citizens find services, including financial assistance for utilities.
  • Grants.gov: Offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this portal “provides a centralized location for grant seekers (including individuals) to find and apply for federal funding opportunities.”

Conduct a General Internet Search
Use search phrases, like the examples below, to conduct a general internet search for funding programs.

  • “[County/city name] housing rehabilitation program”
  • “[County/city name] septic assistance program”
  • “[County/city name] sewer assistance program”
  • “[County/city name] utility connection program”

Search Local Agency Webpages or Contact Local Agencies
Search local agency (e.g., county, city, district, or tribe) webpages or contact local agencies to see if housing rehabilitation, septic, or sewer programs are offered. Examples of departments typically offering these programs include:

  • Community development departments
  • Economic development departments
  • Housing departments
  • Public works departments
  • Utilities departments

Find and Contact Housing Non-Profits
Some local chapters of housing non-profits, such as Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together, typically offer home repairs and housing rehabilitation programs.




Contact a HUD Housing Counseling Agency
Contact a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing counseling agency for free or low-cost advice on HUD programs and housing resources by calling (800) 569-4287 or by searching online using this link. These agencies can help homeowners find programs and resources related to their housing situation.

Contact Community-Based Resources

Based on the specific situation, individuals, including but not limited to seniors, veterans, persons with disabilities, or low-income persons, should consider providing this information if contacting any of the above resources, and/or consider consulting with community-based resources for possible assistance in being connected to funding programs.


  Subscribe to our Email Lists

  Contacts

Waste Discharge Requirements Statewide Contacts

Report an Environmental Concern