USDA Rural Development currently lists the Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program as open. Applications are accepted on an ongoing October 1 through September 30 cycle through RD Apply or the applicable USDA Rural Development office.
Public health and rural infrastructure relevance
The program finances clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage for households and businesses in eligible rural areas. USDA Rural Development identifies safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal as vital to public health and rural community quality of life.
Who may apply
Eligible applicants include most state and local governmental entities, private nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized Tribes that are unable to obtain commercial credit on reasonable terms. Eligible service areas generally include rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or fewer, Tribal lands in rural areas, and colonias.
Funding and eligible uses
The program provides long term, low interest loans. When funds are available, a grant may be combined with a loan when necessary to keep user costs reasonable. USDA does not publish a single national applicant award ceiling on the current program page. Eligible costs can include acquisition, construction, or improvement of drinking water sources, treatment, storage and distribution; sewer collection, transmission, treatment and disposal; solid waste collection and disposal; storm water systems; and certain related legal, engineering, land, permit, equipment, start up, and construction period costs.
Loans may have repayment periods of up to 40 years based on the useful life of the facilities financed. Current rates effective July 1 through September 30, 2026 are 2.875 percent Poverty, 3.750 percent Intermediate, and 4.750 percent Market. Project specific rate eligibility depends on need and the median household income of the service area.
Application controls
Applications are accepted year round through RD Apply and may also be filed through the local USDA Rural Development office. Applicants must have legal authority to construct, operate, and maintain the proposed facilities, all federally financed facilities must serve a public purpose, and projects must be financially sustainable. State specific requirements may apply. The program is governed by 7 CFR Part 1780, loan servicing under 7 CFR Part 1782, and Section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. Assistance Listing 10.760 covers Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities.
Atlas assessment and routing
Atlas Opportunity Score: 87/100. This is a strong rural public health infrastructure opportunity because safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal are foundational community health needs. N9+ Fit Score: 0/100. The published program does not establish a clinical device, telehealth equipment, or Dr. Miltie direct vendor pathway. Keep qualifying-project identification and applicant-specific evaluation within this federal workflow. Reverify service area eligibility, financing need, forms, engineering and environmental requirements, current rates, grant availability, and local USDA submission mechanics before package production.
Official sources: USDA Rural Development — Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program; SAM.gov Assistance Listing 10.760.