Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replacement Fund

The Well Abandonment, Repair, and Replacement Fund is administered by the Oregon Water Resources Department, a state agency responsible for managing Oregon’s water resources, including groundwater systems and well regulation. The program was established to address increasing issues related to declining groundwater levels, drought conditions, and wildfire damage that have left many households without reliable access to potable water. Since its inception, the fund has distributed millions of dollars to restore water access to hundreds of homes, reflecting the state’s commitment to maintaining safe and sustainable domestic water supplies for residents. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance to low- to moderate-income homeowners whose household wells are no longer able to supply sufficient water for essential in-home uses such as drinking, cooking, and bathing. This includes wells that are completely dry, experiencing severe decline in water levels, or have been damaged or destroyed by wildfire. The program is designed as a reimbursement grant, meaning recipients must first complete eligible work and then request reimbursement, ensuring that funds are used specifically for completed, compliant improvements. Funding through the program can be used for the repair, replacement, or abandonment of a domestic well. Eligible costs include professional services and materials necessary to complete well construction, repair, or decommissioning in accordance with Oregon standards. This may include drilling, casing, pumps, pressure tanks, electrical connections to the pump, and plumbing needed to connect the well to the residence. However, the program explicitly excludes costs such as interior plumbing, landscaping, homeowner labor, water testing, or improvements unrelated to restoring household water supply. The maximum award per household is capped, and funding is limited, meaning not all eligible applicants will receive awards. Eligibility for the program is limited to homeowners who meet several strict criteria. Applicants must own and reside full-time in the property served by the well, and the property must be their only owned residence. The well must be connected to the home and used for essential household purposes, and no alternative water source can be available. Additionally, the household must meet defined low- to moderate-income thresholds based on household size. Applicants cannot be applying for or receiving other funding for the same work, and must not be in violation of state well regulations. Members of federally recognized tribes in Oregon may also qualify under the same conditions. The application process involves multiple steps and verification points. Applicants must first obtain a professional assessment of their well and gather cost estimates from licensed contractors. A complete application must include income documentation, well information, and cost estimates. After submission, the department reviews the application and may request a pre-award inspection to verify eligibility. If approved, a grant agreement is issued, and the homeowner proceeds with the work using licensed professionals. After completion, a post-work inspection is conducted, and reimbursement is issued upon verification of eligible costs and compliance with standards. Applications are accepted on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis while funding is available. There is no fixed deadline, but funds are limited, and applying does not guarantee approval. The program does not require a pre-application phase such as a letter of intent. Applicants must submit all required documentation at the time of application, and incomplete applications may delay processing. The program provides support via email and phone, and assistance is available for those unable to apply online. The grant does not require repayment, but funds are considered taxable income and reported accordingly. The program does not operate on a fixed annual cycle but continues as funding allows, with periodic replenishment of funds by the state. Awards are determined based on eligibility verification, inspection results, and available funding. The performance period is tied to the completion of the well repair or replacement work, after which reimbursement is processed. This structure ensures that the program remains responsive to urgent household water needs while maintaining accountability and compliance with state water management regulations.

Ensure all cost estimates and required documents are complete before applying to avoid delays; use licensed professionals only; verify income eligibility documentation carefully; apply early due to limited first come first served funding