The Water Recycling Funding Program (WRFP) - Proposition 68

The Water Recycling Funding Program (WRFP) is a program administered by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) through its Division of Financial Assistance. The program is aimed at promoting water recycling as a means of augmenting freshwater supplies in California. The WRFP offers both technical and financial assistance to local agencies and other stakeholders involved in water recycling projects. The overall mission of the WRFP is to facilitate the beneficial use of treated municipal wastewater to increase water availability and sustainability. The WRFP was significantly supported by Proposition 68, approved by California voters in June 2018. This initiative provided $72 million in loans and grants for recycled water planning and construction projects. These funds aim to support both planning grants and construction projects that involve the implementation and expansion of water recycling facilities. It is designed to promote sustainable water practices across California, particularly in areas facing water scarcity. The program offers assistance through two main types of funding: planning grants and construction funding. Planning grants help local agencies and other applicants to conduct feasibility studies and prepare for large-scale projects. Construction funding, on the other hand, provides financial resources for building or expanding water recycling systems. There are also research grants available for the development of innovative water recycling technologies. The WRFP helps streamline the water recycling process by providing financial and technical expertise throughout these stages. Applicants to the program must meet certain eligibility requirements outlined in the guidelines, which include being a local government, public agency, or a private entity engaged in water recycling activities. Nonprofits and research institutions may also apply, provided their projects align with the program’s goals. The eligibility criteria depend on the type of funding being sought, with separate guidelines for planning, construction, and research grants. The WRFP encourages collaboration among local agencies, water districts, and private organizations. Specific eligibility requirements and project criteria must be met before an application is considered. Once the application is submitted through the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST), it undergoes an evaluation process, where the alignment of the project with California’s water recycling goals is assessed. Applications for WRFP funding are accepted continuously. There are no specific deadlines for submitting applications; however, the program evaluates projects on an ongoing basis, with a review period determined by the type of grant applied for. Applicants must ensure their proposals are comprehensive, with detailed project reports and expected outcomes.