Vermonters: Funding Available to Repair Failing Water and Wastewater Systems – Apply by September 3
Successful applicants can receive 100% coverage of reasonable design, permitting, and construction costs up to $30,000, with up to $5,000 earmarked for design and permitting.
Program Reopens for Critical Home Repairs
Vermonters struggling with failed or inadequate on-site drinking water or wastewater systems now have a chance to secure financial help through the state's Healthy Homes On-Site Program. According to the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR), the program is accepting new pre-qualification submissions as of July 15, 2025, but the window closes soon—forms must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Officials emphasize that funding is competitive and limited, and submitting a form does not guarantee approval. Even previous applicants must resubmit to be considered for this fourth round.
The initiative aims to provide safe, reliable water sources and disposal systems for residents, drawing from over $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and $3.5 million in state general funds, as stated by ANR.
Who Qualifies for Assistance?
Eligibility is targeted at those most in need. Per ANR guidelines, applicants must own and occupy a single-family home or a multi-family property with up to four units. Household income must be below $80,835 annually, and the property must have an actively failed or inadequate on-site system—such as wells, springs, septic tanks, leach fields, or cesspools—that can't be fixed with minor repairs.
ANR defines a failed or inadequate wastewater system as one involving backups into buildings, exposure to open air, pooling outside the home, leaks into water bodies, contamination of drinking water, or reliance on outhouses for year-round residences. Similarly, a drinking water supply is considered failed if contaminated (e.g., by arsenic, E. coli, lead, or other pollutants exceeding standards), insufficient for normal use, or deemed inadequate by licensed professionals. For full definitions, ANR refers to the Wastewater System and Potable Water Supply Rules.
Funding Amounts and How It Works
Successful applicants can receive 100% coverage of reasonable design, permitting, and construction costs up to $30,000, with up to $5,000 earmarked for design and permitting, according to ANR. Limited additional funding beyond $30,000 may be available for high-cost projects if justified and approved by the state. Payments are made directly to consultants or contractors upon invoice submission, easing the financial burden on homeowners.
Step-by-Step Application Process and Timeline
The process unfolds in five steps, with timelines subject to change, as outlined by ANR:
Step 1: Pre-Qualification Submission (July 15, 2025 – September 3, 2025): Homeowners can submit forms online or by phone at 802-828-0141 or 1-877-344-0354 (toll-free).
Step 2: Prioritization (September 2025): ANR reviews and prioritizes forms, then notifies applicants.
Step 3: Full Applications (October 2025 – November 2025): Prioritized applicants submit detailed applications, verified via taxes, affidavits, and site visits.
Step 4: Awards Issued (December 2025 – June 2026): Verified applicants receive funding.
Step 5: Repairs Completed (January 2026 – September 2027): Systems are repaired or replaced.
ANR encourages prompt action, noting resources like FAQs, a Round 4 press release, and a visual process guide are available for applicants.
This opportunity could be a lifeline for many Vermonters facing health and environmental risks from outdated systems—don't miss the deadline.