Installation of a 1,000-gallon concrete septic tank
Contractors installing a 1,000-gallon septic tank. Photo courtesy of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Application Period is Closed

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources developed a new grant program for on-site wastewater systems. This department initiative provides pass-through grant funding to one or more qualified nonprofits to implement the program in select areas of the state.

The new On-site Wastewater Treatment System Grants will assist private (non-commercial) and single-family homeowners in select watersheds with identified water quality concerns related to nutrients. It is anticipated that the grants will be used to either:

  • Repair or replace failing or poorly functioning onsite wastewater systems or
  • Connect to a larger decentralized or centralized wastewater treatment system

The goals of this grant program are to improve and protect public health and water quality by focusing on watersheds with nutrient impairments and implement infrastructure improvements, regardless of home lot size, with effective designs and proper installation that follow local and state health statutes and rules. Maintenance is also key to ensure the newly installed systems continue to provide protections for their expected useful life. .

Funding is provided by the CWSRF fund, capitalization grant additional subsidization allocation.

Information and Assistance

The department encourages potential applicants to contact the department's Financial Assistance Center for assistance. The center can be reached at 573-751-1192 or by email at fac@dnr.mo.gov.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include non-profit corporations with the ability to conduct business in the State of Missouri. 

Eligible Projects and Costs

The grant recipient's main objective will be to assist eligible homeowners to either:

  • Repair or replace failing or poorly functioning onsite wastewater systems, or
  • Connect to a larger decentralized or centralized wastewater treatment system.

The grant recipient will accomplish this by working one-on-one with homeowners, as well as state and local permitting authorities and other professionals, to address failing or poorly functioning onsite wastewater treatment systems.

Award Amounts and Match

The department will offer one or more grants in an amount up to $2,500,000 for pass-through funds to qualified applicants with the highest scores. Additional funds up to $75,000 may be available to support selected qualified applicant(s) administering the program and providing technical assistance to homeowners.

Application Process

The application period for the CWSRF On-site Wastewater Treatment System Grant closed Aug. 8, 2023. To be eligible for funding, proposals from qualified applicants must provide specific details about how the entity will meet the requirements and conditions contained in the Request for Proposals. To apply for this grant, applicants must submit their proposal by email (preferred) to fac@dnr.mo.gov or by mail to the department's Financial Assistance Center.