Ohio EPA’s 2023 Drinking Water Assistance Fund Program Management Plan Announced

Ohio EPA has finalized the 2023 Drinking Water Assistance Fund (DWAF) program management plan. The plan includes more than $1.5 billion in funding requests for a record number of infrastructure projects around the state.

The Drinking Water Assistance Fund provides financial and technical assistance for a variety of projects that help improve or protect the quality of Ohio’s drinking water. The 2023 DWAF program year runs from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023. Funds are available to all applicants that meet program requirements.

Up to $30.8 million in principal forgiveness is available for disadvantaged community and regionalization projects. Principal forgiveness is the portion of a loan that does not require repayment. Additionally, up to $71 million is available as combination loan and principal forgiveness awards for lead service line replacement projects. This funding will be available throughout the program year.

Ohio EPA is continuing to 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 2023 Program Management Plan, planning and design as well as HAB projects may be nominated at 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 2023 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.