Guide on Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants

Overview of the ECWAG Program

The ECWAG program provides grants to eligible rural communities with a sudden decline in the quantity or quality of drinking water. This could be due to droughts, contamination, or other issues that may result in health risks. This program is designed notably to aid in the immediate restoration of the water source or system, essentially vital in emergencies where immediate measures are required.

Please note, the information provided here is meant to be used as a helpful guide, and we are not representative of the government or any government assistance programs.

Who is Eligible for ECWAG?

The ECWAG program is intended to benefit rural communities. As per the USDA guidelines, eligibility for the ECWAG program is determined based on specific criteria. These are:

• Communities or water districts that are rural, i.e., they have a population of 10,000 inhabitants or less, based on the latest decennial census.
• An emergency will qualify for ECWAG if it poses a significant health risk to the residents of the area because of a decline in the quality or quantity of drinking water.
• Applicants must also be unable to finance the project from their resources and be unable to obtain the funding required to solve the problem from commercial sources at reasonable rates and terms.

Expenses Covered Under the ECWAG Program

The ECWAG program supports the immediate restoration of the water system and its functionality. It mainly covers the costs of waterline extensions from existing mains, construction costs for new water source facilities, deeper wells, water treatment plants, and reservoirs. In addition, it aids in acquiring and improving land sites required for the water distribution system facility, including legal and engineering fees related to these activities.

How does the ECWAG Program Work?

The successful implementation of the ECWAG program lies in how effectively the funds are utilized to resolve the emergency. On approval of the grant, the funds need to be used for costs that were incurred after the issue was encountered by the rural community.

The total amount of the ECWAG funding cannot exceed 75% of the entire project costs. This means that the community, or the applicant, will need to provide at least 25% of the project cost from their sources.

How to Apply for ECWAG?

The application process for the ECWAG program can be initiated by contacting the local Rural Development office. This consists of the following steps:

1. Identify your local Rural Development office: There are Rural Development offices situated across the US, and the nearest one can be identified by visiting the official website of the USDA and accessing their interactive map under the 'Find an Office Near You' tab.
2. Connect with the local office: Reach out to the local Rural Development office, and explain your community's situation and need for the ECWAG program. They will then guide you on the application process.
3. Submission of application: The local office will provide you with the application forms. Fill these accurately and include all the necessary supporting documentation, audits, financial statements, etc., and submit it to them for review.

Conclusion: Acquiring Water Security for your Community

Navigating through a water crisis can be daunting. The ECWAG program offers a sigh of relief to affected rural communities and helps ensure water security. Because each community's needs vary, this guide serves as a blueprint on understanding the program, and eligibility requirements, and how to apply effectively. Always remember, the success of the application lies in detailing the current emergency, the proposed solution, and the community's inability to resolve it without financial aid.

And remember, we aim to provide useful and accurate information about programs like ECWAG, though we are not affiliated to any government agency. Always ensure to validate the information with local Rural Development office or the official USDA website. Armed with this information, you can now take the next steps to ensure your community's water security through the ECWAG program.