EPA Announces Over $1.5 Million to Protect Waterways from Sewage Overflows in Colorado

DENVER – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of approximately $80 million through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program to help communities address stormwater and sewer infrastructure needs across the country. These grants will strengthen systems that safely capture and manage stormwater to help prevent contaminants, including untreated sewage, from polluting nearby waterways. The agency will provide funding from both fiscal years 2025 and 2026 totaling $1,561,000 to Colorado, which will be awarded to communities there.  

“Stormwater and sewage systems are critical for managing pollution to keep our nation’s waterways clean and support healthy people, economic growth, and thriving ecosystems,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer. “This $80 million investment will help states upgrade stormwater management systems to address the threat of aging and inadequate infrastructure.” 

“These sewer overflow grants demonstrate EPA’s commitment to protecting water quality for all Americans, including small communities that face unique infrastructure challenges,” said EPA Regional Administrator Cyrus Western. “In our mountain and plains region, many communities are rural. This funding is a big win, helping modernize local systems, prevent overflows and keep rivers and streams clean.” 

Stormwater can be a significant source of water pollution and a public health concern. It can collect various pollutants, including trash, chemicals, oils and dirt/sediment, and convey them to nearby waterways. When mixed with domestic and industrial wastewater in combined sewers, stormwater can also contribute to combined sewer overflows during heavy storm events.   

Safely and effectively managing stormwater to reduce pollution before it reaches local waterways is essential. However, the cost to construct, operate and maintain stormwater infrastructure can be significant, which can strain wastewater systems and their customers, especially in small and financially distressed communities. The agency’s Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program will prioritize projects for small and/or financially distressed communities. Under the existing regulations, state grantees are not required to contribute cost shares for projects located in small and/or financially distressed communities. 

Colorado Allotments for Fiscal Year 2025 and Fiscal Year 2026

Learn more about the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program.