Emergency Drinking Water / Cleanup & Abatement Account Programs
🏛 State Water Resources Control Board (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Nov 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for charter schools seeking to finance or refinance facility projects. Eligible applicants are California charter schools that need debt service reserves for property acquisition, renovation, or construction. The program supports both new facility financing and refinancing of existing charter school debt. Geographic scope is limited to California.
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Program description
The Cleanup and Abatement Account (CAA) was created by Water Code Sections 13440-13443 to provide grants for the cleanup or abatement of a condition of pollution when there are no viable responsible parties available to undertake the work. Water code section 13442 authorizes the State Water Board to utilize CAA funds to address an urgent drinking water need. This includes needs due to drought, contamination, or other eligible emergencies. The CAA is funded by various monies including those: appropriated by the Legislature; collected as part of criminal penalties or civil proceedings brought pursuant to Division 7 of the Water Code; collected or recovered by the State Water Board or a Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Water Board) under Chapter 6.7 of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code; and repaid by loan recipients, including principal, interest, and fees. In some instances, a court judgment or settlement agreement specifies how collected funds are to be spent (e.g., a specific cleanup, investigation, or supplemental environmental project [SEP]). Those funds are typically set aside in the CAA for that identified purpose, consistent with statutes governing uses of the CAA. After accounting for these needs and other prior encumbrances, remaining CAA funds may be utilized to fund: (1) projects that clean up and/or abate the effects of a waste on waters of the State, or (2) projects that address urgent drinking water needs.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Completed application form
- Audited financial statements
- Facility project plan or refinancing proposal
- Authorizing agency approval documentation
- Board resolution authorizing the application
- Debt service schedule and reserve calculation
Program contact
- 📧 DFA-CAA@waterboards.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-319-9066
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | — | — | — |
| 2022-2023 | 9 | 9 | 100% |
| 2023-2024 | 6 | 6 | 100% |
| 2024-2025 | — | — | — |
| 2021-2022 | — | — | — |
| 2025-2026 | — | — | — |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
California-authorized charter schools can apply. The school must be seeking financing for facility acquisition, renovation, construction, or debt refinancing.
What is the funding used for?
Funds support debt service reserves that enable charter schools to access favorable financing terms for facility projects.
Is there a deadline?
The program operates on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline. Check with the California State Treasurer's Office for current application windows.
How competitive is this program?
Competition depends on the funding pool and number of qualified applicants. Strong applications include clear facility needs and demonstrated ability to service debt.
What is the typical award amount?
Award amounts are not specified. Contact the State Treasurer's Office for information about typical reserve amounts and project size ranges.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact the California State Treasurer's Office early to understand current funding priorities and application procedures.
- Prepare detailed documentation of facility needs, project scope, and financing plans before applying.
- Demonstrate strong financial management and debt service capacity through audited financial statements.
- Include letters of support from your school board and authorizing agency.
- Work with your charter school's finance team and facility experts to develop a solid application.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting incomplete financial statements or audit reports. Unclear articulation of how debt reserves improve financing terms. Missing required authorizing agency documentation or board approval.
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