Septic-to-Sewer Funding
Septic-to-Sewer Funding supports California communities with planning and construction to connect areas served by septic systems to centralized wastewater systems and improve water quality.
Funder: California State Water Resources Control Board
Due Dates: Rolling (CWSRF applications)
Funding Amounts: Septic-to-sewer construction grant/principal forgiveness: up to $50 million, or $75 million with a loan component; up to $175,000 per residential connection
Summary: Supports planning and construction that connect previously unsewered California communities to centralized wastewater systems.
Key Information: Property owners cannot apply individually; grant/principal forgiveness requires the area being connected to be a small, disadvantaged community.
Description
The California State Water Resources Control Board funds septic-to-sewer planning and construction through its Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), a federal-state partnership offering loans and grants for wastewater infrastructure. Projects connect previously unsewered areas, often reliant on septic systems, to centralized sewer or wastewater systems to improve water quality.
Grant or principal forgiveness funding may be available for projects serving small, disadvantaged communities. The program reflects California’s Human Right to Water law, which recognizes access to safe, clean, affordable and accessible water for consumption, cooking and sanitation. CWSRF also offers loan financing for eligible projects.
