Foundation for Affordable Drinking Water

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 4, 2007

FOUNDATION PROVIDES LOW-INTEREST LOANS FOR WATER WELLS

Certain low- to moderate-income individuals or families may be eligible for money to construct, repair or improve household water well systems through 1 percent interest loans from the Foundation for Affordable Drinking Water.

The Foundation was established through the National Ground Water Association.

Qualified applicants can borrow up to $8,000 at 1 percent interest for a term not to exceed 20 years. To qualify, households must:

* Own the home and use it as the principal residence.

* Have as the primary drinking water source an individual household well system located on the property of the home.

* Must meet income eligibility requirements.

* Be located in a city, town or unincorporated area with a population of less than 50,000.

Currently, the program is available in Alabama, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

The Foundation will not underwrite a loan once a project is underway or has been completed. Most new home construction projects are not eligible.

Another important aspect of the loan program is to educate loan recipients on the importance of regular well maintenance and annual testing of their well system.

Complete information, including application forms and requirements and income eligibility limits, can to accessed by going to www.ngwa.org and clicking on the link for Foundation for Affordable Drinking Water. Applications and additional information can also be obtained by contacting  the Foundation at 800-551-7379, or email Paul Humes at phumes@fadw.org. You also can learn more about the program by going to www.wellowner.org and clicking on “Financing.”

“Water is essential, and the Foundation is committed to helping those in greatest need,” said Humes, foundation director.  “If you have a real need and meet the qualifications for this program, we encourage you to apply.”

News Media: For more information, contact Cliff Treyens at 800-551-7379, ext. 554, or ctreyens@ngwa.org.