Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Construction
🏛 State Water Resources Control Board (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Jul 10, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for petroleum underground storage tank (UST) owners and operators in California. Small businesses and individuals can apply if they own or operate tanks that have leaked or are at risk of release. The fund reimburses cleanup costs to meet federal and state financial responsibility requirements. Only California-based applicants are eligible.
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Program description
The Division of Financial Assistant (DFA), State Water Board manages the DWSRF program and prioritizes financing for projects that address the most serious human health risks, are necessary to comply with SDWA, and assist public water systems (PWS) most in need on per household basis. Periodically funding programs that help provide clean and safe water are used in combination with the DWSRF program. Eligible community water systems (CWS) currently may receive principle forgiveness (PF)/grant from $2,000,000 up to 100% of total eligible project cost depending on the project types, community served by the CWS, and residential water rates as a percentage of MHI. Financing terms varies from 0% interest to half of California’s average general obligation bond rate for the previous calendar year. Repayment may be amortized for 30 to 40 years or the useful life of he financed construction facilities. Construction of water systems’ infrastructures (treatment facilities, water sources, storages, and distribution systems) and contingency of change orders are common eligible construction cost. Additional eligible construction cost examples are value appraisal and land purchase for right-of-way and easements, planning and design, administration, and construction management. Applications for the DWSRF program and associated funding are accepted on a continuous basis. After DFA receives a complete application, a detailed technical, environmental, legal, and financial review is conducted to determine the applicant’s eligibility for DWSRF and associated drinking water funding.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Proof of UST ownership or operator status
- Documentation of unauthorized release or contamination
- Detailed cleanup expense records and receipts
- Environmental assessment or consulting report
- Evidence of compliance with federal and state requirements
Program contact
- 📧 DrinkingWaterSRF@waterboards.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-327-9978
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-2022 | 86 | 28 | 33% |
| 2024-2025 | 243 | 26 | 11% |
| 2022-2023 | 234 | 11 | 5% |
| 2023-2024 | 247 | 18 | 7% |
| 2020-2021 | 86 | — | 0% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who qualifies for this fund?
UST owners and operators in California. Includes small businesses and individuals responsible for petroleum tank cleanup.
What expenses are reimbursed?
Costs associated with cleanup of leaking underground storage tanks. Must be necessary to meet federal and state financial responsibility requirements.
How do I apply?
Contact the California State Water Resources Control Board directly. Application process details vary by program phase.
What is the deadline?
Rolling acceptance. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. No fixed deadline.
How much funding is available?
Award amounts vary. Total fund pool is $1,000,000. Exact award amounts depend on cleanup scope and costs.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact the State Water Resources Control Board early to clarify application procedures and documentation requirements before starting your application.
- Document all cleanup expenses carefully with receipts and invoices to support your reimbursement claim.
- Ensure your tank release and cleanup plan meet both federal EPA and California state requirements.
- Gather proof of ownership or operator status for the petroleum UST involved.
- Work with environmental consultants familiar with California UST regulations to strengthen your application.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting incomplete documentation of cleanup costs. Failing to demonstrate compliance with both federal and state financial responsibility standards. Not providing clear proof of UST ownership or operator status.
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