The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program’s Water/Energy Audit is designed to encourage public agencies to assess their water and energy usage to identify inefficiencies and improve the consumption of these resources. This audit program, managed by the State Water Resources Control Board, is open to cities, towns, districts, state agencies, Native American tribal governments, tribal organizations, and certain non-profits, among others. All audits must focus on facilities or projects that qualify for CWSRF funding.
The audits aim to identify opportunities for more efficient water and energy usage within public agencies’ operations. The program encourages agencies to examine both water and energy usage, although focusing on one or the other is permissible. Applicants have the option to hire consultants for the audit or perform it with their own staff. The program offers principal forgiveness for audit costs, with a maximum of $35,000, depending on the eligibility and scope of the audit.
Eligible entities include public agencies, tribal governments, 501(c)(3) organizations, and management agencies approved under Section 208 of the Clean Water Act. Nonprofits are also eligible, as long as they are engaged in activities related to wastewater management or similar activities related to CWSRF funding. The grants are available to assist in the cost of audits for projects tied to water or energy consumption reduction in alignment with CWSRF standards.
The total available funding for this program is $2,000,000, and grants are awarded on a rolling basis. The maximum amount available per award is $35,000. The funding will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis after the applicant submits the final report, following a review by the Division of Financial Assistance staff.
The program does not require a matching contribution, and the award funds can be used for the audit costs only. The program is a federal initiative, and its funding source is from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, indicating its focus on environmental and water-related improvements. It is a reimbursement-based program, meaning that funds are disbursed after the completion of the audit and submission of the final report.
The expected duration of the audit is one year. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis, and there is no set deadline for submission. The expected award date is not fixed, and as applications are reviewed continuously, funding decisions will be made as applications are received and approved.
