The Very Small System Compliance Grant program was established to assist small water systems that are in violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act to achieve compliance.
The program provides funding for projects that must be completed to meet a current or future Safe Drinking Water Act requirement. The grant may be used to purchase equipment and pay for engineering and labor costs directly associated with construction of the project. All equipment and materials purchased must remain the property of the water system.
This program allows a qualifying water system to receive up to a $50,000 grant for infrastructure projects that are needed to achieve compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. Funds will be provided for infrastructure projects as 100 percent grants up to a maximum of $50,000 and for total project costs less than $100,000.
Projects with costs that exceed $100,000 but are less than $250,000 may be eligible for funding through the Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program.
A capacity review or sanitary survey should be completed by the Drinking Water Program prior to submission of the grant application in order to identify and support the need of the project.
Systems do not need to be on the project priority list. Projects cannot be the result of a failure to maintain an existing treatment system. Projects can consist of developing a new well, the installation of treatment, or other improvements necessary to correct a significant deficiency identified during a sanitary survey.
Eligibility Requirements
Very Small System Compliance Grant funds will be limited to community systems with 50 or less connections and not-for-profit, non-transient non-community water systems (i.e. nursing homes and schools). This grant is not available for projects already on the State Water Plan. Grants will be made on a first come, first served basis.
Examples of eligible projects may include, but are not limited to:
Materials and costs for operation and maintenance are not eligible for reimbursement. Funds will not be awarded for projects which involve maintenance of water system infrastructure, maintenance of treatment facilities, or costs as part of normal system operation. Also, the water system may not be reimbursed for equipment use or water system employee labor costs, even if work is in support of an eligible project. Funds will not be awarded retroactively for completed projects.
Application Requirements
An applicant must submit an original application to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The application will be reviewed by staff for completeness and technical merit, in consultation with the Department's Drinking Water Program staff. Staff will work with applicants to correct any identified deficiencies. Download form
Award Dates
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources may make a Very Small System Compliance Grant award at any time following Department review of the application.
Award Criteria
This program allows a qualifying water system to receive up to a $50,000 grant for infrastructure projects that are needed to achieve compliance with a current or future standard of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Funds will be provided for infrastructure projects as 100 percent grants up to a maximum of $50,000 and for total project costs less than $100,000.
The remaining cost will be paid by the community and may consist of local cash or other non-state grant assistance. In-kind contributions will not be accepted as local match.
Reimbursement Requests
Reimbursement requests shall contain the following:
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Financial and Technical Assistance
Joe Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, South Dakota 57501
Phone: (605) 773-4216
Fax: (605) 773-4068
Email: Mike Perkovich