Key Takeaways:
- Who: Local governments in Michigan.
- What: $37.5 million Drinking Water Asset Management (DWAM) grant introduced through the Michigan Clean Water Plan.
- Benefit: Helped communities manage their water infrastructure better, improved planning for assets, and provided funding for asset management software and improvements.
In October 2020, Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) launched the Michigan Clean Water Plan, which involves a $500 million investment aimed at improving water infrastructure across the state. A major part of this initiative is the Drinking Water Asset Management (DWAM) grant, which offers up to $1 million to help municipal water suppliers develop asset management plans (AMPs) and identify lead service lines to meet the requirements of Michigan’s Lead and Copper Rule. This initiative also aims to strengthen practices for managing water assets.
The DWAM grant enables Michigan’s local governments to use funds for crucial tasks such as creating and updating Asset Management Plans (AMPs). These plans are important because they help communities track their water resources and make informed decisions about maintaining and improving them.
While the initial $36.5 million allocated from the 2019 rollout of the DWAM grant has been fully disbursed, EGLE continues to manage other funding and water infrastructure support under the wider Michigan Clean Water Plan.
Program Breakdown:
- Purpose: Funds can be used for developing or updating AMPs, conducting condition assessments, mapping, trenching to check water service materials, and various other water asset management tasks.
- Target Audience: Public water supplies, authorities, and local governments. Around $15 million is typically set aside specifically for small or medium-sized systems serving 10,000 or fewer people.
- How It Works: Previously processed on a continuous, quarterly rolling basis, this grant focused heavily on maintaining compliant and safe drinking water as part of the Michigan Clean Water Plan.
Over the years, the DWAM grant has allowed many municipalities to carry out important actions such as conducting asset inventories, assessing their water systems’ condition, and determining the quality of services provided. Additionally, the grant assists in developing financial plans and Capital Improvement Plans, enabling local governments to effectively maintain their water services.
An important feature of the DWAM grant is the funding for asset management software. By using modern technology, municipalities can manage their water resources more effectively, leading to improved services for residents and enhanced water asset management efforts as outlined in the Michigan Clean Water Plan.
As of July 2026, the positive effects of the DWAM grant are clear, with many communities across Michigan benefitting from improved water systems. For updates on current or upcoming funding cycles and application materials, visit the State of Michigan Water Infrastructure Grants Portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible for the DWAM grant?
A: Eligible applicants include Michigan public water supplies, authorities, and local governments. About $15 million of the funds is traditionally set aside for small or medium-sized systems serving 10,000 or fewer people.
Q: What types of activities and costs did the DWAM grant cover?
A: The funds can be used to create and update Asset Management Plans (AMPs), conduct condition assessments and mapping, trench to verify water service materials, identify lead service lines for compliance with Michigan’s Lead and Copper Rule, and support other water asset management activities. It also funds adopting asset management software, creating asset inventories, evaluating service levels, and developing financial strategies and Capital Improvement Plans.
Q: How much funding could a community receive, and what’s the program’s current funding status?
A: Each applicant could receive up to $1 million. The DWAM grant is part of a $37.5 million initiative under the Michigan Clean Water Plan. While the initial $36.5 million from the 2019 rollout has been fully allocated, EGLE continues to manage related funding and water infrastructure support.
Q: How did the application process work, and where can I find updates on new funding cycles?
A: The grant applications have been processed on a continuous, quarterly rolling basis, focusing on maintaining safe and compliant drinking water. For updates on current or upcoming funding cycles and application materials, visit the State of Michigan Water Infrastructure Grants Portal.
Q: What impact has the DWAM grant had on communities?
A: As of July 2026, the DWAM grant has helped many Michigan communities manage their water infrastructure more effectively, improve compliance and safety standards, and modernize operations with asset management software, contributing to more sustainable and dependable water systems.
