Source Water Protection Local Assistance Grant Program

The Source Water Protection Local Assistance Grant Program is administered by the Washington State Department of Health to support projects that protect drinking water sources across the state. The program is funded through federal sources, including the Environmental Protection Agency Clean Water Act Wellhead 106 Grant and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund set-asides, but it is administered at the state level. Its primary purpose is to enhance the protection of Group A public water systems by improving water quality, maintaining water quantity, and reducing contamination risks within designated source water protection areas or watersheds. The program focuses on long-term environmental and public health outcomes by supporting projects that strengthen watershed resilience and reduce risks to drinking water systems. Eligible project types include watershed protection planning, water quality monitoring and assessments, hydrogeologic modeling, resiliency and preparedness planning, and implementation projects such as pollution prevention measures or physical protections near critical water sources. Activities that improve awareness, coordination, and regulatory planning related to source water protection are also supported. However, the program excludes funding for infrastructure upgrades, routine maintenance, regulatory compliance activities, and land acquisition. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis through formal contracts with awarded applicants. Grant recipients must incur eligible expenses first and then submit documentation for reimbursement. Projects are generally expected to be completed within two years, although timelines may vary depending on federal funding cycles and project complexity. Applicants may also be required to develop a Quality Assurance Project Plan if their project involves environmental data collection or analysis, and certain projects may require environmental or cultural reviews funded outside of the grant. Eligible applicants include nonprofit Group A water systems, tribal governments and tribally owned water systems, local governments, health jurisdictions, and special purpose districts. Other entities such as conservation districts, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and Group B systems may apply if they are actively working in partnership with a Group A or tribal water system. For-profit Group A systems, private wells, and state or federally owned systems are not eligible for funding. Applicants must also maintain required federal and state registrations, including a Unique Entity Identifier and vendor registration, in order to receive funds. Applications are accepted on a rolling, year-round basis until available funding is exhausted. The application process requires submission of a detailed proposal outlining project scope, deliverables, timelines, and budget. Applicants must also provide supporting documentation such as registration identifiers and, when applicable, letters of support from Group A water systems. Optional pre-application consultations are encouraged to confirm eligibility and strengthen proposals prior to submission. Applications are reviewed as they are received, with evaluation criteria focused on project completeness, technical merit, alignment with source water protection goals, and cost reasonableness. Projects may also be prioritized based on their regional impact, benefits to multiple water systems, and support for disadvantaged or overburdened communities. The review process includes eligibility screening, technical evaluation, and prioritization phases, and funding is awarded to projects that best meet program objectives until funds are depleted. Award decisions and contracting timelines may vary depending on application quality and funding availability.

Ensure strong alignment with source water protection outcomes and clearly define deliverables and budget; prioritize regional impact and long term benefits; confirm eligibility through consultation before applying