Funding Guideline for Drinking Water Infrastructure in Rural Areas

The funding guideline for drinking water infrastructure in rural areas supports municipal authorities as well as municipal and private water supply companies in the rural areas of Thuringia with investments for the maintenance, renewal, and expansion of drinking water supply and disposal networks. Funding is provided for planning and engineering services as well as construction and renovation costs for pipeline networks, as well as the establishment and modernization of treatment and pumping facilities. The goal is sustainable, hygienically flawless, and future-proof drinking water provision to meet the high demands of environmental and nature conservation, regional development, energy efficiency, and climate protection. Applications can be submitted continuously and are granted as non-repayable subsidies.

A prerequisite for funding is proof of a registered office or place of business in the rural areas of Thuringia as well as responsibility for drinking water supply and compliance with the technical requirements of the Drinking Water Ordinance. Operating costs and consumables are not eligible for funding. Evaluation is based on economic efficiency, cost-benefit ratio, urgency of investment needs, as well as the sustainability and efficiency of the proposed measure. The application documents must include the fully completed application form, a detailed cost and financing plan, a site plan of the infrastructure measures, and proof of responsibility. The implementation and administration of the funding are the responsibility of the Thuringian Ministry for Environment, Energy, Nature Conservation and Forestry in cooperation with the Thuringian Development Bank, which, as the funding bank of the Free State of Thuringia, awards the funds and provides advisory support.