Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund

California State Water Resources Control Board

What does it fund?

Consolidation with larger water systems, operations and maintenance costs, building local technical and managerial capacity, planning efforts for long-term solutions, providing interim replacement water, and administrators to run small water systems.

The Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund is a part of the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) Program. SAFER is a set of tools, funding sources, and regulatory authorities designed to meet the goals of safe, accessible, and affordable drinking water for all Californians.

Who is eligible for funds?

Public agencies, nonprofits, public utilities, mutual water companies, Tribal governments, State Water Board-appointed public water system administrators, technical assistance providers, individuals, and groundwater sustainability agencies.

How does this program provide benefits to priority populations?

Funding is prioritized for FY 2021-22 based on the 6 priorities in the Fund Expenditure Plan, focusing on smaller low-income and disadvantaged communities:

1) Addressing any emergency or urgent funding needs;

2) Addressing community water systems and school water systems consistently out of compliance with primary drinking water standards or at-risk of failing;

3) Accelerating consolidations for consistently out of compliance or at-risk systems, as well as state small water systems and domestic wells, and promote opportunities for regional-scale consolidations.

4) Expediting planning through use of TA for systems consistently out of compliance, at-risk systems, as well as state smalls and domestic wells.

5) Providing interim solutions, initiating planning efforts for long-term solutions, and funding capital projects for state smalls and domestic wells with source water above a primary maximum contaminant level or at risk of running dry due to drought.

6) Ensuring assistance is distributed in a manner consistent with the goals and direction provided in the State Water Board's Racial Equity Resolution and associated Racial Equity Action Plan.

How do I access funds?

Submit a pre-application year-round for the continuous solicitation. Applicants should fill out the pre-application through FAAST. From there, program staff can assist with the application process.

Funding Timeline

Applications are accepted year-round. Check the program website for further updates and information.

For more information, email SAFER@waterboards.ca.gov or call (916) 445-5615.

Project Profiles

Read stories of projects funded by this program.

Program Fact Sheet: SAFER Funding FAQ

Cumulative Statistics

As of November 30, 2023

$603.8 million allocated

$161.1 million implemented

$159.4 million benefiting priority populations

<0 MTCO2e estimated GHG emissions reductions

80 projects implemented

At least $18.3 million benefiting low-income households

At least 7,556 low-income households benefiting from projects

2023 Achievements

Reporting period:
Dec 1, 2022 – Nov 30, 2023

$55.2 million implemented

1 MTCO2e estimated GHG emissions reductions

291 full-time equivalent jobs reported

$55 million benefiting priority populations

32% benefiting disadvantaged communities

68% benefiting low income communities and households

Other Estimated Benefits

294 education events