The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) is a federal-state partnership that provides low-cost financing for water quality infrastructure. States administer their own programs, so project eligibility, application steps, and financing terms can vary. Firm owners can help public agencies assess projects, prepare applications, and deliver funded work.
What it funds
The program supports a wide range of water quality projects. Examples include municipal wastewater facilities, nonpoint source pollution control, decentralized wastewater treatment, stormwater mitigation, green infrastructure, estuary protection, and water reuse. State programs may offer different types of assistance. Owners should confirm that a proposed project and its costs qualify with the state CWSRF program.
EPA's program page also links to information on emerging contaminants, innovative projects, and nontraditional financing options. Review the official CWSRF program page for current guidance and state contacts.
Who applies
Public agencies and other eligible entities apply through the state program. The agency, not its consultant, is the applicant and recipient of CWSRF assistance. Eligibility depends on the state's rules and the project type. An engineering consultant can help an owner understand requirements, develop a project plan, and prepare application materials where permitted.
Award size and funding available
CWSRF assistance is typically provided as low-cost financing, though the types of assistance and terms vary by state. Check the official program page and the relevant state program for available funding, maximum assistance, loan terms, and any grant or principal forgiveness options.
Cycle and current status
States run their own project solicitation and funding cycles. Check the official program page and the state CWSRF website for the current cycle, intended-use plan, priority list, and submission requirements. The official program page also links to EPA's annual report and federal implementation resources, which may help owners understand program administration.
How consultants win the design work
Agencies apply for CWSRF assistance. Consultants are selected separately by the agency for professional services, using qualifications-based selection (QBS) when applicable. This can include planning, benefit-cost analysis, grant-writing support where allowed, design, and construction-phase services. Procurement rules apply, and the agency should confirm the applicable federal, state, and local requirements before soliciting or awarding work.
Consultants can help agencies shape a fundable project and organize supporting information, but they should not present themselves as the applicant. Any grant-writing or application support must fit the program and procurement rules. Check the official program page and state guidance for current requirements.
What owners should do now
- Identify the water quality need, the public agency that would apply, and the project scope.
- Contact the state CWSRF program to confirm eligibility, application timing, and the information needed for its priority list.
- Ask about financing options, current funding availability, and requirements for emerging contaminants or other project categories.
- Plan the consultant procurement early. Confirm QBS and other procurement requirements before engaging firms for planning, application support, design, or construction-phase services.
Official program page: https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf. Check it for current notices of funding opportunity before advising a client.
