One of the most common questions we receive is how to fund well system improvements, including new pump equipment, well rehabilitation, or the drilling of a new well.
The list below includes resources mentioned in our Funding/Financing Options for Private Well Owners webinar, but does not include any local groups (conservation districts, counties, other local government groups etc.) that may have their own programs for well repair/replacement, septic repair/replacement, or well abandonment.
Our advice is to first watch our webinar, then search the web for any local programs. You can also ask local water well, source water protection, and public health professionals if they are aware of any programs that might support your needs.
Grants for Non-Profits to Provide Private Well Loans
- USDA Household Water Well System Grants Program – This program helps qualified nonprofits and tribes create a revolving loan fund to provide loans to well owners who qualify.
Grants for Private Wells
- Groundwater Foundation Water Well Wish – This organization’s mission is to provide life’s most basic need – clean, safe drinking water – to families and communities in need.
- Water Systems Council Water Well Trust – The WWT and its partners build wells for low‐income families in areas with critical needs.
- RCAC Clean Drinking Water Well Replacement Grant Program – Financial assistance is available for individual households and small water systems dealing with drinking water emergencies in California.
- USDA Individual Water & Wastewater Grants – These grants provide funds to households in an area recognized as a Colonia before October 1, 1989.
- Iowa Grants to Counties Program – This program provides up to $5 million dollars in funds between counties in Iowa to directly reimburse private well owners and well professionals for well sealing, well repair, and water testing.
Loans for Private Wells
- RCAC Household Water Well System Loan Program – This low interest rate loan program assists individual households in their service area, which covers 13 Western states.
- Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Rehabilitation Loan/Emergency and Accessibility Loan Program – This program assists low income homeowners in financing basic home improvements that directly affect the safety, habitability, energy efficiency, or accessibility of their homes.
- Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Fix Up Program – This program offers hassle-free home improvement loans.
- Minnesota Department of Agriculture Best Management Practices (AgBMP) Loan Program – This is a water quality program that provides low-interest loans to farmers, rural landowners, and agriculture supply businesses in Minnesota.
- USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants Program – Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, it provides loans to very-low-income homeowners. It can also provide a portion as a grant if over the age of 62.
Emergency Funding
- FEMA Individual Disaster Assistance – FEMA Disaster Assistance helps support recovery from a major disaster.