Investing in infrastructure projects that increase the resiliency of drinking water systems to natural hazards, including extreme weather events, enhances the ability of a community water system to prepare for and withstand the effects of climate change. This grant funding will increase the sustainability of many drinking water systems throughout the country, ensuring that clean water is accessible to all.

EPA is soliciting applications from eligible entities for projects in underserved communities that are disadvantaged or serve a population of less than 10,000 individuals to increase drinking water system resilience to natural hazards. When considering these natural disaster threats, a public water system may consider risks associated with climate change to ensure that resilience-building activities address future conditions such as increasing or decreasing temperatures, changes in precipitation, and, where applicable, sea-level rise.

Each application submitted under this announcement must address one, and only one, of the National Priority Areas.

National Priority Area 1: Small-Scale Investments to Help Drinking Water Systems Implement Resilience Measures

Under this National Priority Area, EPA is soliciting applications for small-scale resiliency-related projects that enable drinking water systems to implement measures to improve resiliency. EPA anticipates awarding approximately ten to twenty assistance agreements under this National Priority Area, ranging from approximately $285,000 to no more than $570,000. It is anticipated that the total amount of all awards under this priority area will be approximately $5,700,000 in federal funds, with project periods of one to four years, depending on the amount requested and the overall size and scope of the project(s).

National Priority Area 2: Large-Scale Infrastructure Improvements to Enhance Drinking Water System Resilience

Under this National Priority Area, EPA is soliciting applications for large-scale resiliency-related infrastructure improvements and/or optimization of mitigation measures at a drinking water system. EPA anticipates awarding approximately two to five assistance agreements under this National Priority Area ranging from approximately $2,660,000 to no more than $6,650,000. It is anticipated that the total amount of all awards under this priority area will be approximately $13,300,000 in federal funds, with project periods of one to four years, depending on the amount requested and the overall size and scope of the project(s).

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants under this competition include the following:

• a public water system;
• a water system located in an area governed by an Indian Tribe; or
• a State, on behalf of an underserved community

AND serves a community—

• that is underserved; and
• that, under affordability criteria established by the State under SDWA section 1452(d)(3), is determined by the State to be a disadvantaged community; or
• with a population of less than 10,000 individuals.