Tribal Water Quality Programs

Clean Water Act (CWA)

Section 104(b)(3) provides limited financial assistance for a variety of water quality projects. Some previously-funded examples include the development of a watershed monitoring program, water quality standards, or nonpoint source (NPS) pollution control programs. Funding is generally quite limited, and, as a Region 6 policy, targeted toward Tribes and Pueblos that do not have any of the more in-depth programs listed below.

Section 106 assists Native governments in developing the methods to plan, establish, and maintain a fundamental program for the assessment and protection of water resources. CWA Section 518 requires that a Tribe request and receive Treatment in the Same Manner as a State prior to receiving any funds under this program.

FY 2012 CWA Section 106 Funding Opportunity For Tribes
The 2012 application deadline is March 2, 2012.

Section 319(h) provides assistance to Tribes and Pueblos to address Nonpoint Source (NPS) pollution issues on their lands. This program also requires Treatment in the Same Manner as a State authorization prior to receiving funds.

Wetland Program Development Grants - This program provides eligible applicants an opportunity to conduct projects that promote the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution as it relates to wetlands. Learn more about Wetlands Program Development Grants from EPA HQ.

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Public Water Supply Supervision Program - provides assistance for Native American water system operation and management training, and technical assistance (circuit rider) projects to develop, expand, or carry out a program for training persons for methods and occupations involving the public health aspects of providing safe drinking water as authorized by the Safe Drinking Water Act §1442, 42 U.S.C. 300j-1 on Indian Lands in Region 6

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Helpful Links and Resources

EPA American Indian Environmenal Office (AIEO)

Region 6 Application Information

Water Quality Standards on Tribal Lands (EPA national site)

Region 6 Tribal Water Quality Standards Program

Inter-Tribal Environmental Council (ITEC)

Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN)

National Tribal Environmental Council (NTEC)

Water Quality Protection Division Contact George Craft
Tribal Coordinator
Water Quality Protection Division
214-665-6684