Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants (ECWAG) program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development office as part of its Water and Environmental Programs. This federal initiative is designed to support rural communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that threaten the availability of safe and reliable drinking water. The ECWAG program plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health and restoring water infrastructure following natural disasters or environmental incidents that disrupt water services. The purpose of this grant is to assist eligible rural communities facing a substantial decline in either the quantity or quality of drinking water. This includes emergencies such as droughts, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, disease outbreaks, or chemical contamination events. Notably, the program does not require a federal disaster declaration for eligibility. The focus is on direct and imminent threats to water supply systems, with funding made available for both immediate response and longer-term infrastructure restoration projects. Grants under the ECWAG program can be used for two primary purposes: water transmission line repairs and water source development. Transmission line grants, capped at $150,000, can be applied toward extending water lines, fixing leaks or breaks in existing systems, and related repairs necessary to restore water service. Water source grants, with a ceiling of up to $1,000,000, support the construction of new water sources such as wells, reservoirs, and treatment plants. These funds are specifically designated for projects up to and including the water treatment plant level. Eligible applicants include public bodies located in rural areas, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribal governments. Communities must demonstrate that a major water-related emergency has occurred or is imminent, within two years of application. Furthermore, the target service area must have a population of 10,000 or fewer and a median household income below the state’s median for non-metropolitan areas. Eligibility is further refined by location, requiring that the project serve rural areas, tribal lands, or Colonias. The application process for ECWAG is open year-round. Interested applicants may submit their materials online through RD Apply or work directly with local USDA Rural Development offices. Applications should include documentation of the emergency, plans for proposed infrastructure projects, and community eligibility based on income and population. The program is governed by 7 CFR 1778 and Section 306A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, which outline the legal framework for grant administration. Program oversight and support are provided by USDA Rural Development staff and participating nonprofit associations. While matching funds are not explicitly required, collaboration with other funding sources at the federal, state, or local levels is strongly encouraged to enhance the scale and impact of projects. The program remains active and accepting applications continuously, making it a reliable resource for rural communities facing urgent water access challenges.