USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal Program

Combined grant and low-interest loan program for rural drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste infrastructure projects.

USDA Rural Development's Water and Waste Disposal program is a cornerstone federal funding source for small community water and sewer infrastructure. Eligible projects include new construction, expansion, improvement, or rehabilitation of drinking water systems, sanitary sewer, stormwater systems, and solid waste facilities. Communities of 10,000 or fewer residents are eligible. The program combines direct loans (40-year terms, low interest) with grants to keep user rates affordable. Median household income in the service area determines grant share. USDA field staff provide technical guidance throughout the application process, which follows a rolling intake model.