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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.

For Entities

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:

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