Emergency Drinking Water / Cleanup & Abatement Account Programs
🏛 State Water Resources Control Board (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for charter schools seeking capital funding for operations, facilities, or expansion. Public charter schools in California are eligible to apply. Priority is given to newly opening charter schools in the current fiscal year. Schools must demonstrate strong credit history and financial stability to qualify for loans.
The Authority reviews all applications on a rolling basis and makes funding recommendations. Approved schools receive loan agreements with clear payment schedules. Funds are disbursed directly to applicants upon agreement execution.
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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
- Loan application form
- Financial statements and audits
- Credit history documentation
- Detailed budget and financial projections
- Articles of incorporation or charter documents
- Board authorization letter
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 is eligible to apply?
California charter schools are eligible. Priority is given to newly opening schools in the current fiscal year.
How much can I borrow?
The loan range is $100,000 to $250,000 per school. Actual amount depends on credit evaluation and needs.
When is the deadline?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The Authority announces opening and closing dates via Listserve, so subscribe to stay informed.
What credit requirements apply?
The Authority conducts extensive credit evaluations before approving loans. Schools must demonstrate financial stability and creditworthiness.
Do I need to provide matching funds?
No cost sharing or matching funds are required for this loan program.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Subscribe to the Authority's Listserve immediately to get notifications when the application period opens. Missing the announcement is a common mistake.
- Prepare strong financial documentation before applying. The Authority reviews credit history carefully, so clean financials are essential.
- Highlight your school's operational track record or opening timeline clearly. New schools opening in the current year have priority.
- Have realistic projections showing loan repayment capacity. The Authority will require evidence that your school can meet payment obligations.
- Apply early in the open period if possible. Rolling deadlines mean later applications may not be funded if the $25M pool runs out.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Schools fail to demonstrate adequate credit history or financial stability to repay loans. Vague or incomplete financial projections make applications non-competitive. Schools miss application deadlines because they don't subscribe to Listserve announcements.
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