Funding program for drinking fountains

Funding program for drinking fountains - An investment in health and the environment

At the beginning of a drinking fountain project, there is always the question of financing. Municipalities are often short of money and must justify spending to citizens and their councils.

There are therefore already some specific subsidies for drinking water wells. Examples include the “municipal drinking water wells” in Bavaria or the “100 drinking water wells for Rhineland-Palatinate”. The financing of water dispensers works differently here: While 90% of project costs of up to €15,000 are reimbursed in Bavaria, there is a fixed amount of €8,000 in Rhineland-Palatinate.

Such subsidies are justified by climate change and increasing drought. Ensuring a reliable supply of drinking water is becoming increasingly important and, since 12.01.2023, drinking water wells have been an integral part of services of general interest in the new Water Resources Act. In order to promote the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of these drinking fountains, several federal states have set up special funding programs at the time of writing this article. In this article, we take a look at funding opportunities in the federal states: North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Thuringia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Bavaria.

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North Rhine-Westphalia: Security of supply through targeted funding

North Rhine-Westphalia is the most populous federal state in Germany and offers several funding programs aimed specifically at municipalities as well as water suppliers. The water supply funding program and the initiative”Sustainable inner cities and town centers“The state supports the construction and rehabilitation of drinking water wells in order to improve supply security and provide everyone with access to clean and free drinking water. Strictly speaking, it is funding for the renovation and redesign of inner cities and town centers, which also house drinking water wells can.

In addition, there is the LEADER program of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, which promotes innovative projects to improve the water supply, particularly in rural regions. These programs are designed to strengthen water infrastructure and ensure sustainable use of water resources.

Funding for the renovation and redesign of inner cities and town centers, which can also accommodate drinking water wells.

Baden-Württemberg: Focus on sustainability

In Baden-Württemberg, there is a strong focus on the sustainable use of water resources. that Rural Development Programme (ELR) supports targeted projects that improve infrastructure in regional areas, including the construction and rehabilitation of drinking water wells. The water supply funding program The state is also promoting measures to improve water supply and water quality. In addition, environmental and climate protection funding supports projects that contribute to sustainable water use and the protection of natural resources, such as the”Klimo Pass”.

This funding must be submitted to L-Bank, has no official end date and a processing time of 3-6 months.

Hesse: Funding for rural and environmentally friendly projects

Hesse offers a wide range of funding opportunities for drinking water wells. that Hessian Programme for Rural Development (HALM) supports projects that contribute to securing the water supply in rural regions. that Water supply funding program of the state of Hesse promotes the construction and rehabilitation of drinking water wells in order to ensure water quality and ensure supply in the long term. In addition, there is also the LEADER program, which supports innovative approaches to water supply in rural areas. It is also possible to carry out municipal projects through further Climate support measuresprotection, such as that of Wirtschafts — und Infrastrukturbank Hessen.

This funding must be submitted to Wibank, is still active until the end of 2024 and has a processing time of approx. 3-6 months. An extension cannot be ruled out.

Thuringia: Strengthening regional infrastructure

In Thuringia, the focus is on supporting rural regions. The Thuringian Rural Development Promotion Programme (LEADER)  provides funding for projects that improve the water supply in these areas. Projects that contribute to the maintenance and rehabilitation of drinking water wells are particularly supported here. That too Water supply funding program the state supports measures to secure water supply, particularly in structurally weak regions.

Funding guideline for drinking water infrastructure in rural areas Is a subsidy in Thuringia that also houses drinking water wells can. There is a funding rate of around 65%, which can give hope.

Rhineland-Palatinate: Innovative Approaches for Water Supply

Rhineland-Palatinate also attaches great importance to supporting projects that secure the drinking water supply. that LEADER program In particular, promotes innovative projects in rural areas that contribute to improving the water supply. As part of Village renewal program Funds can be applied for for the rehabilitation and construction of drinking water wells in order to expand the infrastructure in rural communities. that Water supply funding program The state is also supporting measures that contribute to improving water quality and security of supply.

This funding must be applied for from the Ministry of Climate Protection in Rhineland-Palatinate (electronic funding process MIP funding from the water management administration) and is likely to continue in 2025.

Bavaria: Diverse funding opportunities for a safe water supply

Bavaria, one of the most water-rich federal states in Germany, offers a wide range of funding opportunities to support drinking water wells. The Bavarian Water Supply Promotion Programme offers financial support for the construction and rehabilitation of drinking water wells, particularly in rural and structurally weak areas. The Bavarian Ministry of the Environment also funds projects such as Special program ”Municipal drinking fountains”, which contribute to the sustainable use of water resources and supports adaptation measures to climate change. That too LEADER-programme is available in Bavaria and promotes innovative projects that improve the regional water supply.

This funding must be applied for from the respective water management office, which is responsible for the municipality. The funding is still active until the end of 2024 and has been updated every year for 4 years. A continuation is also likely for 2025. Up to 2 municipalities per district can currently be funded - that's why it pays to be quick.

Further funding in other federal states:

In Schleswig-Holstein Does the funding pot currently exist Regional Budge:

This is offered by some municipalities, but not by all. Funding sustainable projects up to €20,000. It is currently renewed every year and must be applied for by 15/3. The total eligible costs of a small project per final recipient amount to a maximum of 20,000 euros, the amount of the subsidy up to 80%. The selection of small projects is based on selection criteria from a decision-making body consisting of representatives of regional stakeholders.

In Lower Saxony Is the following funding available FörderRL Climate Impact Adaptation Water Management available:

Funding for projects aimed at adapting to climate impacts.

- 90% for concepts up to €300,000

- 50% for implementation up to 500,000€

conclusion

In addition to specific subsidies, drinking water wells can also be financed through any funding that deals with the topics of climate protection,

address climate adaptation measures, urban regeneration or renovation. In most cases, these subsidies include larger sums of money and also other measures. For example, a marketplace is unsealed, greened and rebuilt. In this process, a drinking water well will also be built.

Examples of funding of this type include the Climate Directive in Hesse or the KLIMOPASS in Baden-Württemberg.

Briefly:

Ensuring a sustainable and reliable supply of drinking water is a central task that the German federal states have committed themselves to with various funding programs. North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Thuringia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Bavaria offer a variety of opportunities and are setting a good example across Germany to financially support the construction and rehabilitation of drinking water wells. These programs not only aim to improve infrastructure and secure water supplies in rural areas, but also promote innovative and sustainable approaches to managing water resources.

It is worthwhile for municipalities, water suppliers and private initiatives to carefully examine the various funding options in order to obtain the necessary support for their projects. In view of the growing challenges posed by the climate change project and the increasing importance of sustainable water use, these subsidies will become even more important in the future to ensure the supply of drinking water in Germany in the long term.