Washington State clean water funding totals $156.8 million in grants and loans supporting wastewater upgrades, stormwater treatment, and septic system repairs across communities statewide.
Washington State clean water funding addresses critical infrastructure needs through 121 projects selected from nearly 200 applications. The Department of Ecology manages this annual program that supports wastewater facilities, stormwater systems, and nonpoint pollution reduction. Communities from small towns to major cities rely on these resources to protect rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound.
Applications represented $658 million in funding needs from every region. The draft funding list includes $86.4 million for 59 wastewater projects, $29.2 million for 25 stormwater initiatives, and $17.6 million for 27 nonpoint pollution reduction efforts.
Deer Park, located 35 minutes north of Spokane, is eligible to receive $747,300 to update facility and sewer plans as the community prepares for anticipated growth. Ecology previously funded $3.6 million for Deer Park’s wastewater lagoon replacement and pump station upgrades. The new planning effort will reassess sewer modeling and growth projections.
Union Gap will receive approximately $4.7 million to remove copper, zinc, and other pollutants from untreated stormwater before it reaches Spring Creek and the Yakima River. The improvements target five streets, including Rudkin Road, Rainier Place, and East Washington Avenue.
Washington State clean water funding includes newer programs designed to expand project partnerships. Community-based public-private partnerships enable local governments to collaborate with private entities on stormwater projects. Three projects totaling $1.5 million will test this approach in 2026.
Clark County Public Works is eligible for $680,062 to restore soil and replant vegetation at up to 60 bioretention facilities. The pilot project prioritizes community and economic benefits by hiring contractors from small, minority, and women-owned businesses. Maintenance work will support contractors living in overburdened communities.
Valley View Sewer District in King County may receive approximately $6.2 million to design and construct 3,500 feet of sewer main. This infrastructure will connect 65 homes currently on septic systems to the district’s treatment system. Seattle and King County Public Health data shows most onsite septic systems in this area have reached their life expectancy.
The project contributes to environmental justice by alleviating financial burdens for households in a predominantly low-income area. Septic system replacements cost homeowners thousands of dollars. Grant assistance significantly reduces conversion costs from septic to sewer service.
Two projects qualify for hardship assistance that helps ease increased sewer rate burdens for residents in small, financially challenged communities. An additional 14 projects appear on the Small Community Priority Project List. Ecology developed this simplified funding process to help small, financially disadvantaged communities meet wastewater infrastructure needs with reduced barriers.
Washington State clean water funding supports nutrient reduction in Puget Sound through 24 projects. This program helps municipalities plan wastewater treatment facility upgrades and implement operational changes that maximize nutrient removal, including nitrogen.
Thurston County Public Works is eligible for $550,000 in grants to fund two wastewater treatment plants that reduce nitrogen entering Puget Sound. The Boston Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant will receive $350,000 to install variable-frequency drives for blowers and an equalization basin mixer. The Tamoshan Wastewater Treatment Plant will receive $200,000 for similar work.
The Yakama Nation is set to receive $500,000 to restore a 21-acre meadow historically used for farming. Carrols Creek, a tributary of the Little Klickitat River, will be restored to improve watershed function and increase infiltration, benefiting streamflow during critical summer months. These flows help reduce stream temperatures.
Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group is eligible for $242,581 to restore 18.7 acres along Mill Creek in Auburn. The project includes planting native vegetation and riparian buffers while removing invasive species. More trees help creeks and rivers that are too warm.
Tracy Banaszynski, Co-Executive Director of Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group, explains that water quality improvement projects require diverse funding sources. Washington State clean water funding makes immediate riparian revegetation possible and provides leverage for other county and state funding.
One third of Washington households rely on septic systems that treat more than 300 million gallons of wastewater annually. About 10% experience some level of failure each year. Even small issues can contaminate groundwater and threaten public health.
Washington State clean water funding proposes $20 million for the Onsite Sewage Systems Regional Loan Program. This statewide partnership provides affordable loans and financial assistance to homeowners who need help replacing failing septic systems. The program supports an average of 250 projects yearly. Since launching in 2016, more than 2,200 homeowners have used this assistance.
SepticSmart Yakima is estimated to receive $273,473 to expand homeowner education on septic system care. The program prevents failures and protects groundwater in Yakima County. The effort develops bilingual materials, trains local organizations, and provides mini-grants for partner-led workshops. Strategies are expected to reach approximately 5,000 households.
The funding requires an Environmental Justice Assessment under Washington’s Healthy Environment for All Act. Ecology will complete the assessment to fairly distribute environmental benefits and address environmental and health inequalities through water funding programs.
The Department of Ecology held a public comment period on the draft list from January 30 through February 28, 2026. Community members can submit feedback through an online form. The agency will respond to all comments and publish a final funding list by July 1, 2026.
Washington State clean water funding amounts shown are estimates that could change based on federal funding and the final state budget. The interactive map on Ecology’s website helps residents find projects in their area. This transparency allows communities to track how state resources address local water quality challenges.
