Ohio EPA’s 2022 Drinking Water Assistance Fund Program Management Plan Available

 

June 30, 2021 – Ohio EPA has finalized the 2022 Drinking Water Assistance Fund (DWAF) program management plan. The fund provides financial and technical assistance for a variety of projects that help improve or protect the quality of Ohio’s drinking water.

For DWAF program year 2022, which runs from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022, Ohio EPA received project nominations totaling more than $800 million. Funds are available to all applicants that meet program requirements.

Up to $13.5 million in principal forgiveness is available for disadvantaged community and regionalization projects. Principal forgiveness is the portion of a loan that is not required to be repaid. An additional $15 million in principal forgiveness is available for lead service line replacement projects.

Ohio EPA will offer discounted loans for projects addressing Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) and Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) issues, lead service line replacement and regionalization projects.

In addition to projects identified in the 2022 Program Management Plan, planning and design work, lead service line replacement, HAB, and PFAS projects may be nominated any time.

The primary sources of funds in the DWAF program are proceeds from bond issues, repayments of previously awarded loans and annual federal capitalization grants. Additional principal forgiveness and/or grant funding from other sources may be available during the program year. More information is available in the highlights section of the Program Management Plan.

Issuance of the final DWAF 2022 program management plan can be appealed to the Ohio Environmental Review Appeals Commission (ERAC). Appeals generally must be filed within 30 days of issuing a final action; therefore, anyone considering filing an appeal should contact ERAC at (614) 466-8950 for more information.