Assistance Grants Program

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment administers the Assistance Grants Program to support public water systems that are committed to maintaining high-quality operations but lack the financial resources to do so. This state-funded program is designed to help water systems in Colorado address compliance and operational challenges related to the Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations. By providing direct financial assistance, the program enables eligible systems to improve their infrastructure, operational processes, and overall compliance with drinking water standards. The Assistance Grants Program was established to promote excellence in public water system management across Colorado. The program specifically seeks to assist those systems that are either struggling with compliance issues or facing imminent water quality challenges. Funding may be applied to projects that resolve existing concerns or prevent potential violations, ensuring that water systems can continue to provide safe, reliable drinking water to their communities. Each grant cycle is structured around annual funding availability, with projects required to be completed within the calendar year of award. For the 2026 funding cycle, the program has made a total of $150,000 available. Individual projects may receive up to $30,000, and all awards are determined based on applications submitted by eligible water systems or through referrals made by the administering division. Projects supported under this program must be completed by December 31, 2026. This timeline ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and that project outcomes are aligned with regulatory expectations within a defined period. Eligibility for the program is limited to public water systems in Colorado. These systems must demonstrate a commitment to improving compliance and addressing water quality challenges. The grants are not open to private businesses, nonprofits, or individuals, as the program is tailored specifically to support public water infrastructure. Applicants must clearly identify how proposed projects will contribute to compliance or address identified risks to water quality. This focus ensures that funds are applied in ways that maximize public benefit. The application process for the 2026 Assistance Grants Program is currently open and will remain so until October 21, 2025. Applications may be submitted by public water systems or considered through division referral. All submissions must include sufficient detail to demonstrate project feasibility, alignment with program goals, and the ability to complete the project within the required timeframe. Applicants are also encouraged to sign up for updates and add their contact information to the General – Training and Coaching Assistance for Drinking Water email list to stay informed of future opportunities. Evaluation of applications will focus on the extent to which proposed projects help systems achieve or maintain compliance with state drinking water regulations and address water quality challenges. Given the program’s limited funding pool, priority may be given to projects demonstrating significant need or clear regulatory benefits. Successful applicants will be notified in time to implement their projects within the required period. For questions or additional information, applicants may contact the program administrators via email at CDPHE.WQCD.Watergrants@state.co.us or by phone at 303-692-2848. The program office is located at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. General inquiries can also be directed to the main department line at 303-692-2000. These contacts provide both general assistance and specific grant-related guidance, ensuring that applicants have access to the resources needed to prepare strong submissions.