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Oregon Health Authority

Small System Equipment Assistance

Please note updated deadlines for SSEA applications. 

  • For 2025, application submission deadline: August 15, 2025

  • Beginning in 2026, application submission deadlines: February 15 and August 15 of each year

Program Overview

This program is funded out of Oregon’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). The purpose is to fund small scale additions or replacement of equipment and instrumentation needed by small water systems to ensure continued operation and protection of public health

  • Applications will be accepted for this program annually on February 15 and August 15.
  • Available funding for this program is $200,000 per year for a maximum of 10 projects.
  • $20,000 maximum forgivable loan per project. Minimum award of $2,000.
  • Systems may receive an award once every three years. Projects must be completed within two years of the day that a funding contract is signed with Business Oregon. A one-year extension may be granted upon request.
  • Priority for funding will be given to systems with Disadvantaged Community status, systems with Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) compliance needs, and systems treating surface water sources.
  • Restrictions apply on materials and contracted labor costs. See below.
Circuit Rider assistance is available to help identify needed equipment and supplies and to assist in completing a funding application.

Eligible Water Systems
Eligible water systems must meet each of the following criteria:

  • Classified as a Community or Non-Profit Non-Community water system
    • Community water systems must serve at least 15 or more service connections or 25 or more year-round residents. Non-Profit Non-Community water systems must serve at least 25 people and be recognized under Oregon law as a nonprofit corporation
  • Serve ≤ 300 connections
  • System is not in significant noncompliance. Criteria may be waived if project will directly resolve noncompliance.

Eligible Activities

For a list of activities which are considered eligible or ineligible, please refer to SSEA Project Eligibilities Handout.

SSEA Application

Submission Deadlines:
  • For 2025, application submission deadline: August 15, 2025
  • For 2026, application submission deadlines: February 15 and August 15 of each year

The Business Oregon Regional Development Officer for your area is available to answer questions about the SSEA program. Complete applications using the most current version of the form linked below and submit to DW.Equipment@oregon.gov

  • SSEA Application Coming Soon!

After eligible projects have been reviewed, rated (i.e., scored), and ranked by Oregon Health Authority and projects have been placed on the Project Priority List, Business Oregon will follow up with those systems selected for funding to complete the funding process.  

Resources

  • For cost documentation, procurement and American Iron and Steel (AIS) requirements, see Cost Documentation Guidance. Coming Soon!
  • For questions about the SSEA program, please contact the Business Oregon Regional Development Officer for your area.
  • For assistance with applications or identifying needed equipment and suppliers, please contact OHA's Circuit Rider Program.
  • If you have additional questions, contact the OHA DWSRF Program at dws.srf@odhsoha.oregon.gov.