Funded by the National Ground Water Association (NGWA), these loans have a 1-percent interest rate for a term not exceeding 20 years. Eligible households must be located in an urban or rural area with a population under 10,000 and must have a combined income lower than $43,200. All costs associated with improving private household well systems, such as the cost of drilling, water treatment equipment and pump installation, may qualify.

“There are an estimated 204,000 households in Ohio alone with outmoded private water well systems that may require repair or replacement,” says Paul Humes, director of the Foundation. “Many of these homeowners live in areas where ground water is abundant, accessible and safe. Lack of access to affordable financing is the only barrier keeping the homeowners and their families from using and enjoying a resource that is so close at hand.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are an estimated 3.6 million U.S. households that could benefit from the program. NGWA is working to expand the program with federal funding and other private sector donations.

Parties interested in applying for a loan can contact the Foundation (800-551-7379) for an application.