Water quality combined funding program

Our Water Quality Combined Funding Program is an integrated funding program for projects that improve and protect water quality throughout the state. The program combines grants and loans from state and federal funding sources. We also provide technical assistance to program applicants to help them navigate this process.

We have one combined funding cycle, one application, one competitive rating process, and one list of funding offers. Applicants submit just one application for all of the funding sources under the Water Quality Combined Funding Program.

Funding cycle

  • Amount of funding available: Varies based on the state budget — ranges from $100 million to $200 million annually.
  • Grant award limit: Varies depending on funding source and project type. See the current funding year guidelines below for more information. 
  • Amount of matching funds required: Depends on the funding source you receive, can be up to 25 percent match required.

Applications are not being accepted at this time.

Applicants submit one application, generally mid-August through mid-October each year. Depending on eligibility and priority, we award the best available funding from several different grants and loans (which could include a combination of grants and loans). Our funding comes from a mix of state and federal funds dedicated for water quality improvement and protection.

Current funding cycle timeline — Fiscal Year 2025

Cycle phase Timeline
Submit application Aug. to Oct. 2023
Applicant Workshops Aug. 22 (Stormwater), 23 (Nonpoint/Onsite), 24 (Wastewater) 2023

Evaluate, rate, and rank applications

Oct. to Dec. 2023

Publish proposed project list (Draft Funding List) Jan. 2024
Publish offered project list (Final Funding List) July 2024
Develop funding agreement July 2024 through Jan. 2025
Manage agreement/project

Work starts no later than April 2025

Activities: Up to 3 years

Facilities: Up to 5 years

Close out Last three months of agreement

We provide funding resources for applicants and recipients — which includes workshops and helpful information. Sign up for our email list to get notified when Guidelines are ready, Applicant Workshop links are available, and Recipient Trainings are announced.

Funding is available for the following entities:

  • Counties, cities, and towns
  • Tribal governments (federally recognized)
  • Special purpose districts
  • Conservation districts
  • Nonprofit organizations (only those qualify for section 319 grants)

More information about this funding program

Sign up for our email list to get notified when guidelines are ready, Applicant Workshop links are available, and Recipient Trainings are announced.