Water Well Trust Secures $3 Million Grant for Rural Water Solutions Across America

Water Well Trust Secures Funding for Vital Water Projects

The Water Well Trust, a dedicated nonprofit organization focused on improving access to potable water for rural Americans, has recently been awarded a significant $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This funding is part of the Decentralized Water Systems (DWS) program and is intended to support a range of water well and septic system projects across the United States.

With this latest grant, $2 million will be allocated for loans aimed at drilling new wells and improving existing septic systems, while the remaining $1 million will finance grants for septic system services. This generous financial support reflects the ongoing commitment of the USDA to enhance water supply systems for underserved rural areas.

The Water Well Trust has established itself as a crucial resource since its inception in 2010. It operates primarily in rural and unincorporated regions where households may lack access to clean, reliable water sources. The target beneficiaries of these initiatives include low-income families, often residing in minority communities, who find it challenging to connect to public water supplies due to financial constraints or geographical isolation.

Since 2014, the Water Well Trust has successfully received USDA grants annually, cumulatively aiding in drilling and rehabilitating over 680 water wells across 43 states. The recent increase of 18% in inquiries for assistance in 2024 indicates a growing demand for their services.

The grant funds will offer long-term, low-interest loans designed to ease the financial burden on applicants seeking new or improved water systems. By capping funding at $15,000 for both well and septic system projects, the Water Well Trust ensures that aid remains accessible to those in need. The interest rate for loans is set at 1%, with repayment terms stretching up to 20 years.

To be eligible for these loans, applicants must own and occupy their home as their primary residence and cannot currently access public water or sewer services. Additionally, their household income must fall below 60% of the median non-metropolitan income for their state. This criterion applies to both applicants and all other adult occupants of the home.

Individuals interested in applying for these loans can explore their eligibility and initiate the application process by submitting a form available on the Water Well Trust's official website.

The overarching goal of the Water Well Trust is to provide clean drinking water to Americans who otherwise lack reliable access. Recent estimates suggest that around 2.2 million people are living without safe drinking water in the U.S., a stark reality that does not even encompass the significant challenges faced by tribal communities, where it is estimated that 10% of Indigenous Americans lack basic water and sanitation facilities.

This latest grant is a vital step toward rectifying these disparities, ensuring that more families can obtain the clean water they deserve. For additional information, interested parties are encouraged to visit waterwelltrust.org.

For media inquiries, contact Margaret Martens, Executive Director of the Water Well Trust, at [email protected] or call 202-625-4383.