Water Well Trust Secures $2 Million USDA Grant for Rural Water Access Expansion

Water Well Trust Receives $2 Million USDA Grant

The Water Well Trust (WWT), a prominent national nonprofit committed to ensuring access to clean and safe water for rural communities, has announced that it has secured a significant grant of $2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This funding, part of the USDA's Decentralized Water Systems program, will be directed towards crucial water well and wastewater projects aimed specifically at improving access for low-income households across the United States.

This recent grant marks a significant milestone for the Water Well Trust, being the twelfth USDA grant awarded since 2014. Additional funding will be provided by the Water Systems Council, the organization that founded the Water Well Trust in 2010. This partnership is pivotal in addressing the persistent issue of water accessibility in various underserved areas across the country.

The Water Well Trust is dedicated to assisting low-income homeowners who find themselves in challenging situations, particularly those whose wells are either non-functional, contaminated, or lacking a reliable source of safe drinking water. Moreover, the Trust is expanding its support to include projects related to septic systems, recognizing that clean water access is a vital concern intertwined with effective wastewater management.

Over the past eight years, initiatives funded by USDA grants have positively impacted water access in 44 states. The Trust has been involved in drilling or rehabilitating more than 759 water wells and addressing 108 septic systems, significantly contributing to community health and well-being.

In alignment with this grant, funds will facilitate the provision of long-term, low-interest loans for eligible participants looking to construct or enhance their water wells and septic systems. Each loan can reach up to $15,000, carrying an attractive interest rate of just 1% and repayment terms extending up to 20 years, allowing for manageable financial planning for affected families.

To qualify for these loans, applicants must satisfy several conditions: they must own and inhabit the home as their primary residence, lack access to public water or sewer services, and have a household income at or below 60% of the median non-metropolitan income for their respective states. These criteria ensure that the support extends to the most vulnerable populations who truly require it.

Individuals interested in seeking aid can preliminarily assess their eligibility and kickstart the application process via the Water Well Trust's official website. The organization is steadfast in its mission to provide not just a temporary fix, but a sustainable solution for Americans who currently lack access to safe and affordable drinking water—a pressing reality for approximately 2 million Americans.

Notably, this statistic does not include many tribal communities, where around 1 in 10 Indigenous Americans face similar challenges regarding clean water access and sanitation. Such disparities highlight the critical need for efforts led by organizations like the Water Well Trust. By establishing a framework for community-based water systems, the Trust aims to provide a proving ground for sustainable and cost-effective methodologies in delivering water services.

The Water Well Trust’s commitment to fostering reliable access to clean water is an integral part of broader public health initiatives. The mission is clear: to ensure that all Americans, regardless of their geographic or economic status, have the right to safe drinking water. For more detailed information about the grant and ongoing projects, you can visit the Water Well Trust's website at waterwelltrust.org.

For any inquiries, feel free to reach out to Margaret Martens, the Executive Director of the Water Well Trust, at 202-625-4383.