DEQ announces drinking water, wastewater funding opportunities for 2027

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has announced fiscal year 2027 funding opportunities for Idaho’s drinking water and wastewater systems.

Funding will be used to assist eligible public drinking water and wastewater systems with facility planning projects and help entities build or repair existing infrastructure, DEQ said in an Oct. 17 news release. Eligible drinking water applicants include all community public water systems and nonprofit noncommunity systems. Eligible wastewater applicants include governmental entities and nonprofit corporations.

DEQ has several funding opportunities available.

• State Revolving Fund loans: SRF loans provide low-interest funding for up to 100% of design and construction costs for drinking water and wastewater facilities. SRF loans also offer below-market interest rates with average rates under 4%.

• Planning grants: Planning grants are available to help systems cover the cost of preparing facility planning documents and environmental reviews. These grants cover 50% of eligible costs.

• Supplemental funding: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law included funding for emerging contaminants and drinking water lead service lines. Additionally, there is funding for a sewer overflow and stormwater planning grant. 

For each funding opportunity, submit a letter of interest, also known as an LOI, detailing the need for funding to [email protected]. LOI forms are available on DEQ’s grants and loans web page. Completed LOIs are due by Jan. 9. 

DEQ will host a training opportunity to assist with the application process and give an update for the fiscal year 2027 funding outlook. Attendance is free but pre-registration is required. The virtual workshop is scheduled 1 to 2 p.m. PST Tuesday. Register on DEQ’s events web page. 

Info: deq.idaho.gov