Protecting Source Water with Drinking Water SRF

Protecting Source Water with the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Set-Asides

This EPA fact sheet highlights the ways Drinking Water State Revolving Funds can be used to finance investments in projects designed to protect drinking water sources. As EPA explains that amendments made to the Drinking Water SRF program in 2018 expanded project eligibility to include source water protection activities, and highlights case studies from Nebraska, Delaware, Maine, and Washington.

Click the link below to read the full fact sheet.

Protecting Source Water with the CWSRF

Protecting Source Water with the Clean Water State Revolving Fund

This EPA fact sheet highlights the ways Clean Water State Revolving Funds can be used to finance investments in projects designed to protect drinking water sources. As EPA explains, "CWSRF financing is available to public, private, or nonprofit entities for many types of source water protection (SWP) projects, including both green and grey infrastructure water quality solutions for both surface water and groundwater."

Click the link below to read the full fact sheet.

CWSRF Forest Thinning and Restoration Program

The Arizona CWSRF Forest Thinning and Restoration Program

This Arizona Water Infrastructure Authority of Arizona report details the City of Flagstaff's Watershed Protection Project that is funded in part by Arizona's Clean Water State Revolving Fund program. The Watershed Protection Project was created in response to the 2010 the Schultz Fire that burned more than 15,000 acres of steep, forested slopes of the Coconino National Forest surrounding Flagstaff.

Rains after the fire gave way to catastrophic flooding, taking the life of a child, destroying neighborhoods, businesses, local water supply resources, and rendering a once thriving recreational resource to ash. To mitigate and avoid such impacts in the future, the city spent the next ten years building the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project to undertake preventive forest management through forest thinning.

Click the link below to download the full report.

Colorado SRF Application Process

Using CWSRFs for Greening & Climate Resilience

Using Clean Water State Revolving Funds for Greening and Climate Resilience

For more than thirty years, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund has been a critical funding stream used by local governments and utilities for the cleanup of water quality in rivers across the United States. Following the 2022 infusion of federal infrastructure funding, this program (which is implemented a little bit differently in each state) now offers transformational opportunities to communities challenged by historic disinvestment, environmental degradation, and climate change.

This American Rivers guide clarifies key tenets of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and provides guidance to municipal and utility staff on how to access the funds available through the program for green, climate-resilient projects that help protect and restore our nation’s rivers.

Click the link below to download the report.

Webinar: Leveraging SRFs

Click the video below to watch WaterNow June 24, 2021, Leveraging State Revolving Funds for Innovative Water Infrastructure Investments webinar.

Webinar Slides: Leveraging SRFs

Leveraging State Revolving Funds for Innovative Water Infrastructure Investments

Click the link below to download the slides from WaterNow's June 24, 2021, State Revolving Fund webinar.

South Carolina CWSRF Priority Ranking System

South Carolina CWSRF Priority Ranking System

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is the designated state agency to apply for and administer the capitalization grant for South Carolina’s CWSRF. The South Carolina Budget and Control Board (BCB) Office of Local Governments conducts financial functions of the CWSRF, establishes financial policies and executes loans to project sponsors. DHEC and the BCB distribute funds through low-interest loans and principal forgiveness loans. The following priority ranking system shares the first question that DHEC will ask: “how will the project help enhance water quality?” followed by everything else you’ll need to know about the SCCWSRF. EPA has identified seven priority watersheds in South Carolina. Both EPA and DHEC will prioritize the use of discretionary resources in these areas: Saluda, Middle Savannah, Black Creek, Sewee-Santee, May River, Okatie River, and Lower Edisto. The Priority Ranking Criteria is split into sections that show the state’s and nation’s priorities (Will the project address a water quality impairment of a waterbody that is identified on the current 303(d) list?)

Massachusetts CWSRF Application Packet

Massachusetts CWSRF Application Packet

Massachusetts Clean Water Trust, Office of the Treasurer and Receiver, General Executive Office for Administration and Finance, and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) collaborate pertaining to the application for financial assistance; CWSRF construction phase 2020. This package includes the application forms, instructions and other information relative to supporting documentation required to be submitted as part of the application. See changes from FY 2019 in the affordability criteria, housing choice, disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) goals, and fiscal sustainability planning. Note necessary documentation, and supplemental requirements. Starting page 15, part I of the form begins, leading into appendix files.

Massachusetts SRF Application Guidance

Massachusetts SRF Application Guidance

The clean Water State Revolving Fund of 2021 Project Construction Evaluation Form Instructions and Guidance give contact information and deadlines to follow, by the Department of Environmental Protection. Definitions and examples are given for all the necessary applicant and project identification and certification information, project schedules and cost, project evaluation process, and project ranking processes. Expect project effectiveness and environmental benefit to be prioritized in this MassDEP guide.

Georgia CWSRF Solicitation for Projects

Georgia CWSRF Solicitation for Projects

Call for 2020 CWSRF projects from (GEFA) Georgia finance authority! Types of projects eligible for CWSRF funding include, but are not limited to, projects that maintain compliance with wastewater rules and regulations, and improve water quality. The following project submission guidelines and program requirements answer common questions about who can apply to CWSRF loans, the minimum criteria for eligibility, eligible projects, and what qualifies for nonpoint source projects. Affordability criteria (median household income population trend and unemployment percent) is listed, followed by a detailed breakdown of the CWSRF scoring system.

Georgia CWSRF Application Guidance

Georgia CWSRF Application Guidance

Georgia’s CWSRF guidance for project requirements is laid out as follows: Planning document requirements, environmental review and planning documentation, environmental category information, plans and specifications, program policies, disadvantage business enterprises (DBE) solicitation guidelines, DBE review, and land acquisition requirements. A brief planning document should be developed to compare and analyze feasible alternatives for wastewater treatment and other Clean Water SRF-funded projects. The document must compare the costs of each alternative as well as environmental and other relevant non-monetary issues. Environmental categories are: wetlands, floodplains, water supply/water quality, water resources, groundwater recharge area, storm water, wastewater, air quality, solid wastes, soil stability, protected mountains, protected species, critical habitats, historical sites, and more. 21 policies under water quality projects are covered starting on page 23.

New Mexico CWSRF Priority Criteria

New Mexico CWSRF Priority Criteria

It is the intent of the Projects Priority Ranking System for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) to evaluate and rank projects that will mitigate point source discharges, such as discharges from wastewater treatment facilities (WWTF), and non-point source impacts to both surface and groundwater. In addition to evaluating project merits that will improve and protect water quality, the system will also evaluate each applicant’s level of financial need, local commitment to promoting sustainable utilities, and readiness to proceed with design and construction. Water quality improvement is comprised of the groundwater quality improvement factor and surface water quality improvement factor, as is the permit compliance category of the priority ranking system. The financial ranking is based on per capita income of the service area, rate structure, population served, and user fees. Sustainability is ranked based on the utility management plan, communal promotion of sustainable utilities, and longevity of the project. This is followed by a readiness to proceed rating and Green Project Reserve assessment.

Hawaii Brochure on Using SRF

Hawaii Brochure on Using SRF

Save Energy, Water and Money with State Revolving Fund Loans. Hawaii’s infographic emphasizes the state’s commitment to sustainability by focusing on eligible projects, features of the loan, and advice on getting more information. 15-30% energy savings can be achieved, alongside offers to extend equipment life, energy rebates, and the decrease in air pollutant emissions through ongoing projects.

Alabama CWSRF Preapplication/Priority Criteria

Alabama CWSRF Preapplication/Priority Criteria

Applicants to the Alabama CWSRF will require Form 340. Project name, assistance requested, and loan applicant information should be collected alongside project engineer information, outside funding source information, community demographics, and factors used to rank the proposed project (the priority ranking system). Enforcement and compliance rating criteria, water quality improvement criteria, water/energy efficiency rating, stormwater management criteria, agricultural and nonpoint source pollution criteria, sustainability criteria, and growth criteria make up this section.

Montana Funding Table with WPCSRF

Montana Funding Table with WPCSRF

Analyze Montana WPCSRF 2020 financial assistance programs for water, wastewater and solid waste projects by project name, eligible applicant, eligible project, cost status, available funds, loan repayment period, ranking criteria, funding deadline, additional information, and contact information.

Montana WPCSRF Priority Eligibility

Montana WPCSRF Priority Eligibility

This 2011 WPCSRF project priority list survey for proposed stormwater, non-point-source or wastewater system improvement needs, excluding operation & maintenance, and growth development requests contact information, median household income from the area, and a brief description of the proposed project.

Alaska GPR CWSRF Assessment form

Alaska GPR CWSRF Assessment form

For projects to qualify as green, technical and financial aspects are assessed. The technical information can come from a variety of sources such as maintenance or operation records, engineering studies, project plans or other applicable documentation to identify problems. Expect to provide general information, project name location and type, green component costs and overall project costs.

Alaska SRF Loan Application Checklist

Alaska SRF Loan Application Checklist

Applying to Alaska’s revolving fund? See both CWSRF and DWSRF checklists. A checklist for loan applicants includes construction related files, drinking water specific information, and clean water specific information. An example resolution and ordinance are provided. To disclose lobbying activities, see page 7. The SRF Environmental Review checklist serves as a request for categorical exclusion. The following are the categories: historic properties, wetlands, floodplains, and contaminated sites.

New York CWSRF Project Scoring Criteria

New York CWSRF Project Scoring Criteria

The Environmental Facilities Corporation rates projects based on the following 6 factors: a critical source of pollution, water quality improvement, consistency with management plans, intergovernmental needs, financial need, and economic need. Water quality is given points according to Classification Points Factor (CPF), Impairment Factor (IF), and Potential Improvement Factor (PIF). Project Score Sheet included.

Overview CWSRF Eligibilities 2016

Overview CWSRF Eligibilities

The paper is organized into project categories. Use the table of contents to quickly navigate to the category of interest. Beginning with CWSRF program eligibilities and ending with planning and assessment, the EPA Overview of CWSRF eligibilities from May 2016 offers a comprehensive look at eligibility guidelines and examples in each category (centralized waste treatment, energy conservation, water conservation, stormwater, Agricultural Best Management Practices, Decentralized Wastewater Treatment, Resource Extraction, contaminated sites, landfills, habitat protection and restoration, silviculture, desalination, groundwater protection and restoration, and surface water protection and restoration).

CWSRF Application Process Visual

CWSRF Application Process Visual

This California Clean Water State Revolving Fund infographic delineates a construction application process from planning phase, to estimating cost, to design and procurement, a final cost, finally to implementation, and final inspection/payment. It also illustrates the similar steps involved in the planning design application process.

California CWSRF Official Policy

California CWSRF Official Policy

This Policy was written to implement the federal Clean Water Act’s (CWA) Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program in California. The Policy for Implementing the Clean Water State Revolving Fund addresses all project types eligible for CWSRF assistance. It is organized in order of project development, and it sets forth the requirements to obtain CWSRF financing. The CWSRF program provides financing for eligible projects concerning water restoration and maintaining water quality; additional objectives must be cost-effective and complement both the federal and state criteria and the policy goals of the State Water Board. Project primary and secondary scoring is depicted, including a readiness evaluation, community economic status, and financing due diligence. The official report delves into the disbursement of project funds, as well as appropriate, expected, project completion reports.

CWSRF 101 Presentation

CWSRF 101 Presentation

How did the CWSRF start? What is its structure? How about the flow of federal funds? Explanations on CWSRF infrastructure banks, the revolving and leveraged nature of funds, and project eligibility are addressed in the EPA’s CWSRF 2015 presentation. Also covered will be information on the Green Project Reserve, additional subsidization, fund financials, and cumulative assistance.

CWSRF Environmental Benefits 2014 Report

CWSRF Environmental Benefits 2014 Report

Results of a program having executed 35,000 assistance agreements to help protect and restore drinking water sources, wildlife habitat, recreational resources, and other beneficial uses. Eligible entities have been able to upgrade and repair wastewater treatment plants, correct combined and sanitary sewer overflows, and protect waterbodies from nonpoint sources of pollution. Of funding designated for the protection and restoration of impaired waters, 6,586 projects focused on aquatic life and wildlife. Concerning the support of surface water, we saw a focus on protection over restoration. Green project reserve accounted for 11 percent of total assistance in 2014. 95 percent of subsidies went to those who could not afford the project without said subsidy. $474 million emergency funds from CWSRF programs went to the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in accordance with the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act.

Review of Allotment of CWSRF Report

Review of Allotment of CWSRF Report

This Report to Congress presents the results of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) review of the current CWSRF allotment and its adequacy to address the water quality needs of eligible states, District of Columbia, and U.S. territories (collectively referred to as States). The 1987 Water Quality Act established the original allotment based on population, needs, and other factors that are complex and difficult to discern. Most States do not currently receive appropriated funds in proportion to their reported needs or population, which demonstrates the inadequacy of the current allotment. In chapter 3 the EPA provides possible options to update the allotment in the future. The report uses CWNS 2012 needs, 2010 resident population, water quality impairment component ratio, and the ratio of CWSRF assistance to federal capitalization to determine the allotments for all states. The report then provides several options, and several potential allotment formulas (such that needs are at least 50 percent of the formula, population is at least 30 percent, and the minimum allotment for states are 0.5 percent). The current allotment adequately reflects the water quality needs for only 14 States. To more adequately reflect changes over time, EPA recommends that Congress update the allotment on a regular schedule.

SRFs Up Annual Newsletter 2015

SRFs Up Annual Newsletter 2015

EPA is in the process of standardizing web content across all of its programs. As part of this effort, we are pleased to introduce a new and improved CWSRF website. EPA will distribute SRFs Up in August each year to state partners and other stakeholders, including Facebook and twitter. Updates will include projects of interest, water headlines, webinar series, and an annual report. Success stories include New York’s wastewater treatment, Arizona’s solar energy plan for their wastewater plant, land conservation in Virginia, and infrastructure planning guides in Oklahoma. EPA headquarter updates of an NIMS-CBR merger and CWSRF eligibilities compendium are accompanied by the announcement of further WRRDA Implementation training.

SRFs Up Annual Newsletter 2016

SRFs Up Annual Newsletter 2016

EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program is the nation’s largest federally supported water infrastructure program, providing over $118 billion in assistance since 1988. This issue will explore CWSRF assistance to small and disadvantaged communities – what we’re doing to serve them now and what we hope to accomplish in the future. We’ll examine data collected by our state partners and share a one-on-one conversation with CWSRF staff in the State of Nebraska to explore their program’s successes and discuss the challenges they face in serving disadvantaged communities. Along the way we will learn more about the activities of EPA’s new Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Finance Center (WIRFC), highlight successful CWSRF projects from around the country, and provide an overview of news and events at EPA.

SRFs Up Annual Newsletter 2018

SRFs Up Annual Newsletter 2018

CWSRF partnerships include a Nonpoint Source Program, the National Estuary Program, various partnerships for marketing and outreach, watershed financing partnerships, and the offices in the EPA concerning contaminated sites. Find 2018 PISCES Exceptional Projects, and headquarter updates included. Amongst which will include the modernization of the SRF database, and case studies of states that have successfully satisfied the Green Project Reserve through CWSRF financing. In 2018, the AIS program completed 35 site visits across 10 states. The site visits provide an opportunity for communities to ask project-specific AIS questions and receive EPA recommendations for improving their AIS documentation prior to project completion. Read on to hear more.

SRFs Up Annual Newsletter 2019

SRFs Up Annual Newsletter 2019

In recent years, SRFs have undertaken a variety of marketing and outreach efforts. This issue highlights several of these state activities and celebrates the success of these efforts. It answers questions such as “are flood control projects eligible for CWSRF assistance” or how can the CWSRF support water quality trading”. It discusses the five innovative financing mechanisms available to the CWSRFs: programmatic financing, portfolio financing, extended term financing, sponsorship financing, and co-financing. It also includes overviews of case studies such as Oklahoma’s marketing survey focus groups, and Kansas’ no-till cover crop agriculture NPS program. Further summarized are the 13 exceptional projects from 2019 under the CWSRF’s (PISCES) Performance and Innovation in the SRF Creating Environmental Success program. These are recognized projects that have demonstrated excellence in promoting EPA’s mission of protecting human health and the environment.

Annual Report: CWSRF Programs

Annual Report: CWSRF Programs

The largest source of public water-quality financing in the country, featuring flexible financing terms and subsidies, the CWSRF continuously allows communities to improve their wastewater treatment, sewer infrastructure, address nonpoint sources of pollution, and many other decentralized environmental benefits. This year (2015) the CWSRF provided $5.8 billion to eligible projects and will continue to grow, while prioritizing those with the biggest public health impact. This year, 64 percent of assistance agreements went to communities with fewer than 10,000 people. These recipients were offered a low interest rate at only 1.7 percent, reducing barriers for borrowers but lowering program revenues. This is met with low fiscal year administrative expenses. Financial highlights include a 4.6 percent increase in program equity from the previous year. 2015 has experienced an intake in funding of water conservation and stormwater programs focusing on green infrastructure and water efficiency, following the prior years’ Water Resources Reform and Development Act amendment to the CWSRF. The West states have the flexibility to focus on water reuse drought solutions, while Eastern states can manage stormwater challenges. Read some of the success stories included.

New York EPA SRF Sustainability Report

New York EPA SRF Sustainbaility Pilot Project Report

In 2008, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) estimates the repairing replacing and updating of New York’s wastewater infrastructure to be $36.2 billion over the next two decades. After receiving ARRA funding, the states’ CWC partnership has since raised awareness surrounding New York wastewater infrastructure. A stakeholder engagement advisory team recommends providing incentives for more sustainable projects, such as technical assistance, training, and pre-planning grants. The following report offers a review of the current state of New York’s SRF in respect to the state and the nation’s increased focus on energy efficiency, smart growth, and asset management whilst maintaining water quality. Overall, recommendations surround improving outreach and technical assistance, focusing on wastewater regionalization (without sprawl across local governments), and fairness of infrastructure funding across municipalities. For New York CWSRF eligibility, the Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Act of 2010 is a vehicle for addressing the concerts brought in this report.

California Sustainability Plan for CWSRF

California Sustainability Plan for CWSRF

This report focuses primarily on ways in which the California CWSRF program -despite currently being able to efficiently process applications for funding- might attract more applicants with sustainable projects “…by better coordination with existing statewide sustainability initiatives, strategic outreach efforts, and incentives”. The following major ongoing initiatives in California are proposed to have room for growth in sustainability: The California Strategic Growth Council, California State Planning Priorities, California Water Plan, California Regional Blueprints and Sustainable Communities Strategies, and Integration of CWSRF Program With State Planning Activities. These are followed with suggestions for incorporating sustainable practices across California CWSRF applicants (for example, supporting existing communities by focusing on repairs and upgrades to existing infrastructure). The current state of the given 11 sustainability goals are then summarized, alongside implementation opportunities and examples of policies and best practices from other states. After analysis, rather than increasing requirements to discourage less-sustainable applicants from applying, the DFA plans to reduce administrative hurdles, reaching out to sustainably-minded communities to increase their participation in CWSRF opportunities for funding.

 

Q+A on GPR and Additional Subsidy Requirements for SRF

Q+A on GPR and Additional Subsidy Requirements for SRF

A memorandum on the additional subsidization of Green Project Reserve provisions and the requirements for GPR in SRF programs, answers to questions previously posed for both the CWSRF and DWSRF programs are addressed. Wondering about the time frame for meeting additional subsidy requirements? Wonder if IUP must indicate which projects will receive additional subsidy, or whether the subsidy requirement for a project can be split between fiscal years? What documentation is required for proof of meeting additional subsidy expectations? Rather, must funding for GPR projects come directly from the capitalization grant? Read for questions answered, to date 2013.

CWSRF Eligibility Graphic

CWSRF Eligibility Graphic

Introducing the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the nation’s solution for low-cost infrastructure financing since 1987! Read statistics and a bit about the EPA’s eligibility criteria. Through 2018 end of year, 39,948 loan agreements and a cumulative $133 billion in funding have been given. Apply for financing through your state’s CWSRF. The EPA funds eligible projects with an additional 20% funding coming from your state. CWSRF offers below-market average interest rates, around 1.5% with additional subsidies possible. Communities, private entities, nonprofit organizations, and citizen groups may all be eligible. Terms of state revolving funds typically last the life of the project if it doesn’t exceed 30 years, requiring repayment a year after completion of the project, and on average returning $3 to communities for every $1 of federal investment.

Funding Water Efficiency via SRF Programs

Funding Water Efficiency via SRF Programs Use state revolving funds for water efficiency. This saves money in the long run, avoiding expensive future projects and reducing “lost water”. Water efficiency also helps withstand droughts by decreasing demand of limited quality water, rendering drastic water policies unnecessary. By reducing waste and consumption, allow your community to step towards a more environmentally conscious future. You’ll do this by reducing wastewater flows, sustaining aquifers, and lessening pollution from saltwater intrusion. CWSRF and DWSRF programs work like banks offering loans for infrastructure improvements to protect public health. Florida implements water audit and leak detection to avoid excess costs and water wasted unnecessarily. To receive funding, contact your state DWSRF or CWSRF representative, to hear your states’ annual Intended Use Plan (IUP). Use specific ideas like installing water meters, water-efficient devices, funding incentive programs, installing dual pipe distribution systems, and educating the public.

Sustainability and the CWSRF: A Best Practices Guide

Sustainability and the CWSRF: A Best Practices Guide

Get an overview of state policies and practices, forwarding the goal of sustainably developed communities. You'll find policies, their program requirements and incentives, guidance on the planning process, project priority system structure, financial planning, and technical assistance. In conjunction with the CWSRF, applicable Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) policies are included. The EPA recommends big picture direction, such as focusing on revitalizing existing communities and infrastructure, as well as detailed facts: "for every 10% increase in forest cover of the source area, chemical and treatment costs decrease by 20%". Emphasis has been placed on utility goals to align with community priorities. Projects are evaluated on the basis of water quality, fiscal sustainability, and social criteria to choose the best solution. The Oregon program sets aside $3 million for funding planning projects while others prioritize funding construction on planning loans completed within 3 years. This helps disadvantaged and small communities. Failing septic and decentralization are many rural issues; new treatment can lead to inefficient patterns and water quality issues. Learn from the Minnesota case study who uses a hierarchy to analyze the best approach to fixing failed wastewater treatment systems, ensuring all alternatives are considered. Read from states like Arizona who encourage coordination across funding sources by creating workshops engaging in the community needing funding, New York which has a centralized database to obtain funding, and Kentucky which creates policy to bring government agencies of water, transportation and housing together to best plan for future development. CWSRF programs will either require or assist communities in making capital improvement plans inclusing comprehensive alternatives analysis and asset management plans to ensure informed decisions. Looking towards a more financially stable wastewater system, CWSRF programs will limit growth the program is willing to fund, focusing on repairing, replacing, and upgrading infrastructure. Likewise, the polluted areas of urban Brownfields sites can be redeveloped by coordinating with Brownfileds RLFs to reach common goals.

Financing GI: Best Practices for CWSRF

Financing Green Infrastructure: A Best Practices Guide for the CWSRF

Use this "best practices guide" to take advantage of the CWRSF's resources for your program to benefit, whether you're working on a local scale rain garden or large scale floodplains to reduce stormwater. To prevent communities from shying away from green infrastructure solutions due to hurdles such as unfamiliarity, the EPA offers this easy to read guideline for financing. This report will go over the basics; best practices, how to access said projects, relevant financial incentives, and priorities to be aware of. One of many financing opitons, the CWSRF is a nationwide historically proven instrument for change. The Green Project Reserve is a requirement to invest in green infrastructure; any project mitigating stormwater runoff is eligible. Successful state programs to be emulated include the following. South Carolina hired a ful time marketing expert to plan workshops and meet with stakeholders. Oklahoma created a document to step by step guide users how to take inventory and determine when they need replacing. New Hampshire decided to award 20 of 100 points to GPR projects, using a ranking system to prioritize projects. California is a good example of "Set-asides". They approved low interest financing to incentivize water recycling projects.

Environmental Benefits of CWSRF /GI

Environmental Benefits of CWSRF Green Infrastructure Projects

What are the goal and main benefits of green infrastructure? What do projects managing stormwater runoff look like? The EPA shares five case studies on CWSRF implementations for a taste of the environmental benefits of GI projects; despite their varying locations and problems, all make substantial differences in our national fight to prevent stormwater pollution.

2016 Annual Report: CWSRF Programs

2016 Annual Report: CWSRF Programs

Read on for the performance results of America's largest public source of water quality funding. From construction grants in the 70's to the 1987 establishment of the CWSRF, see the system of water infrastructure banks for eligible projects. The majority of CWSRF money goes towards traditional wastewater treatment projects, mostly publicly-owned treatment works. This is a testament to the success of federal state cooperation for the nation's environmental interests. This year (2016) the programs had a great year, extending 1,362 loans, providing $7.6 billion aid to eligible borrowers -the second largest amount in history. Low interest rates this year saved billlions; when market rate was 6%, CWSRF offered a 3% loan over 20 years. Additionally, funds have been dispersed timely and efficiently. Commitment and dispersion rates have increased, leading to cost savings. Health for communities and job creation are positive consequences of the fund's growth. The fund's total equity totaled $48.2 billion, a 3.9% increase from 2015. Leveraged bond proceeds were threefold from 2015, interest earnings over $1.2 billion.

2017 Annual Report: CWSRF Programs

2017 Annual Report: CWSRF Programs

2017 marks the 30th anniversary of a successful Clean Water State Revolving Fund program. Read about the history of the transition from grants to CWSRF, an environmental infrastructure bank, offering below market interest rates and "additional subsidization", to accomplish a cummulative assistance of $126B thus far. After recieivng federal funding, this allowed programs to receive additional state funding three times that of the allotted federal grant, and allowing each state to focus on their area of need. Over time, CWSRF has expanded eligibility, benefited smaller communities, focused on disadvantaged communities, and brought about the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund which was established based off of CWSRF success. The Clean Water Act requires annual financial overviews of the 51 CWSRF programs under GAAP reporting. Overall, leveraged bond and net assets increased, and $7.4B in funding for this year alone. Exceptional projects are recognized in the PISCES program which can be overviewed. Finally, see state agencies that are recipients of funding.

2018 Annual Report: CWSRF Programs

2018 Annual Report: CWSRF Programs

Read the 2018 report of CWSRF programs for an overview for the projects receiving state revolving fund assistance, and additional information such as the EPA's expanded eligibility from publicly owned treatment works to nonpoint source pollution. Learn from Vermont's strategy to utilize nonprofits to carry out SRF projects and improve ties with their program and the nonprofit community. NEP, National Estuary Programs, aiming to protect the water quality of 28 estuaries nationwide, implement long term plans (CCMP) and are also eligible for CWSRF financing. CWSRF funding may also be implementable through Watershed Financing partnerships on a project by project basis. The EPA CWSRF also encourages the use of asset management plans (AMP) as they improve the tracking of inventory, repair costs, and overall resource demands alongside emerging regulations. Recipients of funding are to use American Iron and Steel; AIS in turn has conducted over 300 training and outreach sessions. The WIFIA program has grown, saving borrowers and creating jobs for projects nationwide; the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program is to be considered. The SRF database has been modernized and consolidated, and a new system will be in place in 2020. On another note, national aggregate financial audits reveal a $6.8B funding this year towards water quality and water infrastructure projects. See if your state/project may be a similar fit with these 15 exceptional projects. From Dodge City, Kansas, to the Texas Water Development Board, the report highlights the use of funds and their end accomplishments.

Source Water Protection in Arizona

Source Watershed Protection in Arizona

In this February 2022 presentation, the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona provides an overview of the source watershed protection activities that can be financed by the State Revolving Fund, how SRF loans for watershed projects might be repaid, and highlights Flagstaff's forest thinning and watershed management as a case study on an SRF financed project.

Click the link below to download the presentation slides.

Technical Assistance for Loan Application

WaterNow’s Colorado SRF Technical Assistance Program is designed to empower communities with the resources and expertise they need to secure financing for sustainable water infrastructure projects. As a unique approach within the ecosystem of technical assistance providers, WaterNow’s program focuses on supporting projects that prioritize sustainability and water efficiency, such as green stormwater infrastructure, indoor and outdoor water efficiency, water reuse, source watershed protection, lead service line replacement, and more.

Building Green Solutions with EPA’s OSG Program

Click the link below to download the slides from WaterNow's August 24, 2023 webinar, Building Green Solutions with EPA’s Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant Program. You can watch the recording of the webinar here.

Briefing: Implementing the BIL & Justice40

Member Briefing: EPA's Strategies for Ensuring Equitable Access to SRFs

Click the link below to download the slides from WaterNow's June 15, 2022, member briefing. You can watch the recording here.

 

Briefing: Implementing the BIL & Justice40

Watch WaterNow's June 15, 2022, Member Briefing: EPA's Strategies for Ensuring Equitable Access to SRFs webinar. You can find the slides here.

Private Water Utilities: Actions Needed to Enhance Ownership Data

Private Water Utilities: Actions Needed to Enhance Ownership Data

The roughly 50,000 drinking water utilities in the United States face steep costs—more than $470 billion over the next 20 years, according to EPA estimates—to repair and replace drinking water infrastructure. These costs are passed on to customers through water rates. States regulate the rates charged by privately owned water utilities. EPA has responsibilities to implement programs to further the health protection objectives of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

In this report, GAO reviews private for-profit drinking water utilities and rates. This report examines, among other things, (1) information available from EPA and other sources about the number and characteristics of private for-profit water utilities in the United States, and (2) Drinking Water SRF assistance provided to private for-profit water utilities. GAO reviewed EPA SDWIS data, Drinking Water SRF data, and Global Water Intelligence data, as well as EPA’s and others’ documents. GAO also interviewed EPA and water utility stakeholders.

Click the link below to download the full report.

Webinar Slides: Financing for Innovation

Webinar Slides - Financing Innovation: Colorado State Revolving Fund

The 1-hour, interactive webinar featured the administrators of Colorado’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program and the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to deepen local Colorado water leaders’ understanding of the fundamental mechanics of the SRF program and to dig into the details about how the flexibility of SRF loans can help finance innovative, climate & drought resilient water infrastructure projects. This webinar will also covered the complementary loan and grant programs offered by CWCB. The panelists were:

Click the link below to download the slides from WaterNow's February 10, 2022,  Financing Innovation: Colorado State Revolving Fund webinar.

State Revolving Fund Switchboard

State Revolving Fund Switchboard

The Southwest Environmental Finance Center's State Revolving Fund Switchboard is a repository of all 51 State Revolving Funds' rules, regulations, intended use plans, and other policies that inform how that state administers its SRF. The interactive map, previewed below, allows users to choose which state is of interest and access a compiled set of resources all in one place.

Click the link below to access the resource.

South Carolina GPR Guidance

South Carolina GPR Guidance

Projects that are not considered “categorical” may still qualify for the GPR. Such “business case” projects must be evaluated for their eligibility within one of the four targeted types of GPR eligible projects based upon a business case argument. The business case should provide a cost/benefit analysis, estimated project life and payback period, supporting calculations, and any supporting documentation. See the following excerpt from EPA’s GPR guidance to learn more about how to present a business case for a potential SRF project. Business cases will be approved by the State, required as long as “green projects” are a priority with the EPA. An approved business case must be included in the State’s project files (as of 2013) and contain clear documentation that the project achieves identifiable and substantial benefits. The following sections provide guidelines for business case development.

Oklahoma GPR Checklist

Oklahoma GPR Checklist

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan program’s GPR checklist is a tool to aid loan applicants and consultants in determining the green components of any given project, identifying both green performance targets and submittal materials that will be used for the implementation of the green components. It is also a tool to aid OWRB staff in tracking the implementation of the GPR throughout Oklahoma. It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain the necessary approvals and permits, and to properly design, build and effectively operate and maintain the proposed facilities covered in the Engineering Report (ER) or planning document. Loan applicants should include a completed copy of the checklist with their ER, provided in this report.

Georgia Financing Options

Georgia Financing Options for Conservation Water and Energy projects

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) works to develop innovative programs to maintain Georgia’s energy, land, and water resources. GEFA also strives to make such initiatives more accessible and financially sound for communities throughout Georgia. Potential water efficiency and conservation projects fall under one of two groups: utility water loss, and end-sue efficiency and conservation. GEFA operates three low-interest loan programs that can be used by local governments to finance a wide range of energy production and conservation projects – the state-funded Georgia Fund, and the federally-funded Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF). See also the possible projects for energy production and conservation, applicable funding, and their financing terms.

Hawaii Priority Criteria

Hawaii Priority Criteria

Hawaii priority SRF applicants must fill out the proposed form. This includes the following sections: water quality protection, green infrastructure, compliance and enforcement, and project need.

New York ISC REQs

New York ISC REQs

The Environmental Facilities Corporation requires ISC grant applicants to provide sufficient information to demonstrate that the proposed green infrastructure (GI) components are feasible to construct as a functional and integrated element of the base program Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) project. The following items related to the GI must be adequately addressed when preparing your Revised Engineering Report: existing conditions, project description, an updated project schedule, cost estimate, anticipated regulatory approval and permits, state environmental quality review, and state historic preservation office review. Also required are concept site plans and site photographs.

Operation and Maintenance of Green Infrastructure Report

Operation and Maintenance of Green Infrastructure Report

The report examines the O&M practices of 22 green infrastructure projects funded by the ARRA CWSRF, and highlights both the opportunities and challenges associated with green infrastructure O&M. Activities examined include planning and tracking of maintenance, training and education, use of partnerships, and funding. 27 percent of percent of projects have tracking systems and 55 percent have accountability mechanisms, while 59 percent have developed training and education related to O&M. Amongst projects surveyed, 36 percent had public-private partnerships fulfilling funding and/or labor for O&M activities. 59 percent of all projects have a dedicated source of funding established. Lastly, the report finds that having a centralized authority to oversee compliance yields optimal maintenance results (which is essential to ESG benefits of green infrastructure and meeting their intended goals). Write out the planned procedure to ensure success. Read on the gray vs. green infrastructure divide, or perhaps on the challenges and opportunities of financing green infrastructure and O&M through the nation’s CWSRF. Touch on how to design with maintenance in mind, reducing the cost of a project over its lifespan.

ARRA GPR Compilation Report

ARRA GPR Compilation Report

ARRA provided funding for a variety of infrastructure projects, including $4 billion dollars of supplementary funding to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Programs and $2 billion to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. This report was developed for informational purposes with funding made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Its contents compile information that has been received by the agency. Divided into 10 regions, the EPA speaks to cities in those states which reside in each region. Each town report covers the primary GRP category, total SRF loan amount, general project description (and environmental benefits) followed by a project narrative and associated costs.

Memo Making Business Cases Not Mandatory

Memo Making Business Cases Not Mandatory

A memo to the CWSRF Chiefs to change to the CWSRF SPR Guidance in 2017, to inform you of a change to the 2012 document that states will no longer be required to establish a “business case” for GPR projects. Originally states were encouraged to exercise due diligence through this requirement; now outdated, states can use the guidance document and their best judgement upon the project eligibility of the GPR provision.

Statement of Policy (Sustainability Policy)

Statement of Policy (Sustainability Policy)

This document provides a Statement of Policy to EPA Regions, States and the general public on how EPA intends to exercise its discretion regarding sustainability. It is sectioned into the following: promoting planning processes that support sustainability, encouraging community sustainability, promoting sustainable water and wastewater systems, targeting SRF assistance, and measuring success. Some highlights include: evaluating barriers to access funding for small and disadvantaged communities, the EPA promising to create a “Best Practices” guide including case studies and lessons learned- from the state pilots and other state SRF programs, and working with industry to develop a methodology to help utilities benchmark their performance based on the attributes and associated best practices and metrics.

Maryland EPA Sustainable Communities Report

Maryland EPA Sustainable Communities Pilot Project Report

Maryland has made efforts to revise its project priority system (how it ranks and then prioritizes projects eligible for CWSRF). It aligns with several goals and actions being advanced at the national level, including those of the HUD‐DOT‐EPA Partnership for Sustainable Communities. CWSRF assistance is now based on these values: public health and water quality; smart growth and sustainability; targeting investments to key watersheds; and cost‐effectiveness. MDE is emphasizing support of cost‐effective infrastructure investments through its revised Integrated Project Priority System (IPSS). Applicants’ project area must be withing a Priority Funding Area (PFA), areas in which state and local governments want to encourage and support economic development and new growth, and consistent with the County Water and Sewerage Plan. This project report includes considerations such as encouraging updating existing infrastructure, improving decentralized system management, and improving coordinated -and long term- infrastructure planning.

 

Utilization of Additional Subsidization Report

Utilization of Additional Subsidization Report

A report to Congress, on the utilization of additional subsidization to ARRA SRF programs year 2010. Find data summarized and analyzed by median household income, the populations served by loans receiving additional subsidization, and the dispersion of these loans by type. The following conclusions come from each state given the flexibility to fund projects based on the public health needs of their state. Transmissions and Distribution was the category with the most projects receiving additional subsidization. Traditionally, 86% of finances have gone to “construction” which includes treatment, transmission & distribution, storage, and source categories. Most FY 2010 loans and additional subsidization recipients fell under the 51-100% range of community Median Household Income (MHI) in respect to state MHI. This means that 75% of loans were made to communities below or equal to the their state MHI. States are thus prioritizing additional subsidization consistent with congressional direction. The majority (58%) of CWSRF loans with additional subsidization served less than 10,000 people. We infer smaller populations more likely to lack the capabilities of larger assistance recipients. Compare Drinking water with Clean Water subsidies and appropriation amounts, for year 2010. In addition to summary analysis, all recipients, communities, population served, and type of assistance are listed.

GPR Crosswalk Table

GPR Crosswalk Table

Under the GPR topics: Green infrastructure, Energy efficiency, Water efficiency, and Environmentally innovative, follow a table visual to determine eligibility. The following are included: whether a business case is required, what is “categorically eligible” and CWSRF GPR Ineligible examples. Section down in columns between 212, 319, and 320 plans of the Clean Water Act (CWA).

2012 GPR Report

GPR Report

Protect clean water, preserve natural systems, reduce energy, and conserve valuable water resources. This report comes from the GPR establishing a minimum 20% of ARRA capitalization funding going to these four categories under GPR. It discusses what has resulted since, including eligibilities in CWSRF that have never been utilized, and addressing the innovative state approaches which have successfully implemented the GPR. Millions of kilowatt hours of energy will continue to be saved annually from ARRA-funded energy efficiency improvements at wastewater treatment plants. This is just one example of the improvements which make reduced operating costs and green house gas emissions also contribute to utility sustainability. Further highlighting done by the EPA and states will help attract new applicants and aid states in identifying future green projects. An example of environmentally innovative activities would be a project that adapts clean water facilities to climate change. Some states solicited GPR recipients to ensure education and awareness of the funding eligibility, establishing new partnerships, and coordinating on local and federal agency levels. Other times, states re-arranged the priority of projects, allowing GPR projects to be funded over previous ranking systems which would bypass GPR projects. To breakdown $1.1 billion in GPR funding, $606 million went to energy, $209 million to green stormwater, $153 million to water efficiency, and $160 million for environmental innovations. All states have met the 20% requirement, most exceeding.

GPR Eligibility Guidance

GPR Eligibility Guidance

Federal goals for green infrastructure, energy efficiency improvements, water efficiency improvements, and environmentally innovative activities are outlined in the following details of the Green Project Reserve (GPR) for the Clean Water SRF program. Read the full report for examples of categorically eligible projects. GPR can be used for planning, designing and building activities, specifically targeting previously rejected or underfunded projects. State SRF programs should follow the criteria to find projects eligible to count toward GPR. Read a definition of green stormwater infrastructure on regional and local levels, followed by unacceptable projects, such as in-line and end-of-pipe treatment systems that only filter or detain stormwater. Water efficiency is the use of improved technologies and practices to deliver equal or better services with less water. Eight project examples are followed by projects that do not meet the criteria, such as agricultural flood irrigation. Energy efficiency, the aim to reduce energy consumption of water quality projects, could be collection system infiltration/inflow detection equipment, for example, but not facultative lagoons. The environmentally innovative section of the criteria include those demonstrating new or innovative approaches to delivering services or managing water resources in a more sustainable way. For example, an integrated water resource management plan likely resulting in a capital project, but not eligible would be air scrubbers to prevent nonpoint source deposition. Learn how to identify projects and write business cases for proof of “green” aspects of a project using the EPA’s guidelines and best practices.

Federal Funding Sources for Water Conservation

Federal Funding Sources for Water Conservation (Appendix E)

Why should we use water efficiently? How can CWSRF programs help systems use water more efficiently... and how do I get funded? How can systems and specific states harness SRF programs for improved water efficiency? What other federal resources are available for this efficiency? Water efficiency saves money, helps communities survive droughts, and reduces water and consumption to protect rivers and therefore wildlife. SRF programs operate like banks offering low or zero interest loans.

Policy Memo to Promote GI

Policy Memo to Promote GI

Aiming to create healthier urban environments, this EPA policy memo by director Andrew D. Sawyers Ph.D. calls to attention the local and national limitations to our current green infrastructure state. Concerning stormwater and other causes of water pollution, since 2009 the EPA has used state revolving funds, currently running 51 CWSRF programs, to sustain long term financing of public and private infrastructure projects. Green infrastructure's reduction of stormwater discharges helps decrease water pollution. Additional benefits include reducing urban heat island impacts, decreasing energy use, and improvin air quality. CWSRF programs have been successful in implementing GPR prjects thus far, alotting $3.8 billion in water reuse, energy efficient equipment, and natural systems for mitigating storm surge since 2010. For best results, the EPA will track states' progress, and recognize high quality successful programs with awards. The EPA recommends incentivizing green infrastructure projects by offering additional subsidization and interest rate reductions, as well as utilizing the prioritization and marketing best practices stated. 

Overview: State Revolving Funds

Overview: State Revolving Funds

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program is a federal-state partnership that provides communities a permanent, independent source of low-cost financing for a wide range of water quality infrastructure projects. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program is a federal-state partnership to help ensure safe drinking water. Created by the 1996 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) the program provides financial support to water systems and to state safe water programs.

State revolving loan funds can be used to:

control nonpoint sources of pollution

implement water efficiency programs

build decentralized wastewater treatment systems

create green infrastructure projects

protect estuaries

Click here to download a copy of the Environmental Protection Agency's primer on how SRF funds can be used to pay for water efficiency programs

Funding Water Efficiency Through State Revolving Funds

Funding Water Efficiency Through the State Revolving Fund Programs

When water demand is inflated by wasteful water use and water loss, water systems and their customers spend more than necessary in capital and operating costs. Water efficiency and reuse also are important for meeting the environmental goals of many states and communities. The number of water efficiency programs has increased dramatically in the last 10 years, and these programs are now found in almost every part of the United States. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) programs can be important sources of financial assistance to help states and systems initiate a variety of efficiency measures and programs.

Click the link below to download a copy of the Environmental Protection Agency's primer on how SRF funds can be used to pay for water efficiency programs.

California Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

California Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Intended Use Plan

The 1996 amendments to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) established the national Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program to finance infrastructure improvements necessary to mitigate drinking water risks to human health. Through capitalization from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) as well as state and revolving fund sources, California’s DWSRF provides financial assistance to public water systems (PWSs) for drinking water infrastructure improvements in the form of low-interest financing, additional subsidy (e.g. principal forgiveness), and other technical assistance. In accordance with federal rules, DWSRF funding is generally prioritized to projects that (1) address the most serious risk to human health, (2) are necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of the SDWA, and (3) assist PWSs most in need on a per household basis. DWSRF funding is also managed to ensure the timely and expeditious use of DWSRF funds as well as guarantee the perpetuity of the DWSRF for future generations.

This State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2018-19 DWSRF IUP serves as part of the State Water Board’s application for the 2018 Capitalization Grant from the U.S. EPA as well as the guidelines for the State Water Board’s administration of Prop 1 Drinking Water funds. In summary, this IUP establishes the State Water Board’s business plan for the DWSRF program for SFY 2018-19 and discusses the State Water Board’s general approach and ability to successfully carry out that business plan with the available financial and programmatic resources. It also describes how the State Water Board will operate the DWSRF program in conjunction with other funding sources, such as Prop 1 Drinking Water, or sources of funding outside the State Water Board, that may be used to jointly finance projects.

Click the link below to download a copy of the IUP today.