City of Duluth Inflow & Infiltration (I/I) Grant Program
GrantNo income testIncome supplement available
Up to$4,000
Who qualifies
Duluth homeowners whose property is flagged as contributing inflow and infiltration to the sanitary sewer — identified during a mandatory I/I inspection or Point of Sale inspection. Properties selling in Duluth require an I/I inspection at time of sale. Non-compliant properties face a $250/month surcharge after a 90-day window.
What it covers
Sump pump installation (inc. dedicated outlet), disconnection of footing drains from sanitary sewer, sewer trap removal, and private lateral replacement. Grant amounts: up to $1,400 (sump/gravity), $2,150 (broader I/I work), $4,000 (80% cost share for mandated lateral replacement).
How to apply
Call Utility Operations at 218-730-4130 or 218-730-4034 to schedule an I/I inspection. Email: UtilityControlCenter@DuluthMN.gov. A Utility Resources Specialist issues Form A authorizing grant funds after inspection.
Terms
Grant — no repayment. Low-income supplemental grants available at or below 50% AMI. Voluntary replacements in non-mandatory areas may receive up to $2,000 if grant funds remain.
City of Duluth Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Free replacementNo income test
Your costFree
Who qualifies
Any Duluth property automatically enrolled when identified as having a lead, galvanized, or unknown service line. No income test, no application needed — city contacts you 6–9 months before construction. Over 2,665 lines replaced through 2025; 1,000–1,200 more scheduled for 2026.
What it covers
Complete replacement of private-side water service line from curb stop to home, typically one day using directional drilling or open-cut. Site restoration included. Federal IIJA covers 100% of private-side cost; state covers the public side.
How to apply
Check your address at maps.umn.edu/LSL or contact leadremoval@duluthmn.gov or 218-730-4673. Do not hire your own contractor — self-funded replacements are not reimbursed.
Terms
Completely free. Covers water service line only — not sewer laterals or interior plumbing.
Funding risk: Federal IIJA guaranteed through 2027. MN Legislature allocated only $15M in 2026 bonding bill vs. $250M requested. Check current status at duluthmn.gov.
Duluth HRA Healthy Homes Homeowner Rehab Loan
Deferred LoanIncome-basedSewer coverage unconfirmed
Up to$30,000
Who qualifies
Owner-occupants of single-family homes in Duluth at or below 80% of area median income.
What it covers
Home repairs including health and safety items, roof, windows, siding, energy efficiency. Sewer/water lines not explicitly listed — “health and safety” may allow coverage at HRA’s discretion. Emergency pipe failures more likely to qualify. Confirm with HRA before counting on this for lateral work.
How to apply
Duluth HRA: 218-529-6300 or duluthhousing.com.
Terms
Up to $30,000 at 0% interest, deferred — repaid at sale or transfer.
Confirm before applying: Sewer/water coverage not confirmed. Contact the HRA directly.
One Roof Community Housing — Repair & Remodel Loan (Duluth)
Deferred LoanSewer coverage unconfirmed
Up to$27,000
Who qualifies
Homeowners in Duluth and the Superior area. Income limits vary by sub-program. Owner-occupied required. One Roof also acts as a referral point for the City’s I/I sewer grant and can help with that application.
What it covers
General home repair. Emergency loan (up to $10,000) is the most likely avenue for urgent sewer/water failures. One Roof references the City’s sewer lateral grants and can assist with navigation.
How to apply
218-727-5372 or 12 E. 4th Street, Duluth, MN 55805. Apply online at 1roofhousing.org/homeowners/loans/.
Terms
No-interest, no-payment deferred loan up to $27,000. Emergency loan: up to $10,000 at a fixed rate with up to 10-year repayment.
Superior Water, Light & Power (SWLP) Lead Service Line Replacement
Free replacementNo income test
Your costFree
Who qualifies
SWLP residential customers with confirmed lead or galvanized water service lines. SWLP proactively contacts affected customers. If your line material is unknown, call for a free on-site identification inspection (5–10 minutes).
What it covers
Full replacement of lead water service lines, both public side and private side, at no homeowner cost. Enabled by Wisconsin Act 8 (signed July 2025) allowing private utilities to access state SDWLP/BIL principal forgiveness funds.
How to apply
Check the SWLP Service Line Inventory Map at swlp.com. Call 1-800-227-7957 or email swlpquestions@swlp.com. SWLP contacts homeowners with known lead lines proactively.
Terms
Free to homeowner. Covers water service line only — not sewer laterals. Individual replacement timelines still being finalized as of mid-2026.
City of Superior Stormwater Flood Control Program (SFCP)
Grant (flood-related)No income testIncome boost available
Backwater valve/sump100%
Who qualifies
Owner-occupied single-family homes in Superior that have experienced basement flooding, are in the East End or Allouez neighborhoods with documented sewer overflow history, or participated in the city’s 1970s–1990s backwater valve programs. A passing building sewer inspection is required before work proceeds.
What it covers
100% of backwater valve, sump pump, cleanout, and house trap removal. Up to $150 toward private sewer lateral inspection (low-income: up to $300). Up to 50% of grey water connection corrections ($1,000 max). Does not cover general lateral repair for non-flood issues.
How to apply
Submit at ci.superior.wi.us/SFCP or contact Amy Homstad, Program Manager: homstada@superiorwi.gov, (715) 395-5831. Actively accepting applications as of mid-2026.
Terms
Grant — no repayment. Backwater valve and sump pump fully city-funded. Lateral inspection and grey water corrections have partial funding with caps noted.
Wisconsin Act 137 — Municipal Loan for Private-Side Lead Line Replacement
Loan (via municipality)Municipality-dependent
Cost to homeownerVaries
Who qualifies
Property owners in Wisconsin municipalities that have adopted a mandatory lead service line replacement ordinance under Wisconsin Statute 66.0627(8)(ag). Requires confirmed lead service lines served by a public water utility.
What it covers
Customer-side water service lines. Municipalities often combine this with DNR/BIL grant funding to make replacement fully free. Where BIL is available (as in Superior/SWLP), this ensures no upfront cost to the homeowner.
How to apply
Contact your city or village clerk or public works department. For Superior, SWLP is the primary contact.
Terms
Varies by municipality. Often used with BIL principal forgiveness to eliminate homeowner cost entirely.
MN Dept. of Health Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Grant (via city)No income test
Your costFree
Who qualifies
Any homeowner served by a community water system with a lead or galvanized service line. You do not apply — your city/utility enrolls you automatically. Check your address at maps.umn.edu/LSL.
What it covers
100% free replacement of privately-owned lead or galvanized service lines from the water main to the home. Statewide goal: ~100,000 lines by 2033. Funded by $40M/year federal IIJA + $240M state appropriations.
How to apply
Contact your local water utility. For Duluth, see the Duluth tab. Check statewide status at maps.umn.edu/LSL.
Terms
Free to homeowner. Covers service line only — not interior plumbing. Do not hire your own contractor; self-funded replacements are not reimbursed.
MPCA Low-Income Septic System Fix-Up Grant (via BWSR/County)
GrantIncome-based
Up to$5,000
Who qualifies
Low-income homeowners (below 300% federal poverty guidelines) with a noncompliant septic that received a notice of noncompliance. Must be a homesteaded single-family or duplex. St. Louis County is included. Covers private septic only — not municipal sewer.
What it covers
Repair or replacement of failing private subsurface sewage treatment systems (septic). Does not apply to municipal sewer laterals.
How to apply
Contact your county environmental services or sanitarian office. Application periods typically July–August. MPCA contact: Aaron Patrick, 218-316-3909.
Terms
Grant up to $5,000 or 35% of replacement cost, whichever is less. $1.59M available statewide annually.
Minnesota Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program (RLP)
Deferred Loan (forgivable)Low-income only
Up to$37,500
Who qualifies
Low-income owner-occupants. Income limits ~$24,700 (1 person) to $28,200 (2 people), scaling up. Assets cannot exceed $25,000. Must be current on taxes and mortgage. Administered locally by counties, HRAs, and community action agencies. In NE MN, administered by AEOA.
What it covers
Safety, habitability, energy efficiency, and accessibility improvements including plumbing and septic. Sewer lateral repair likely eligible as plumbing repair — confirm with local administrator.
How to apply
Contact your county HRA or AEOA (218-735-6819, rehab@aeoa.org) in NE MN. Statewide: MN Housing at 800-657-3769.
Terms
Up to $37,500 at 0% interest, deferred up to 15 years. Effectively forgiven if you remain in the home — repaid only at sale or transfer.
Minnesota Housing Fix Up Home Improvement Loan
LoanIncome-based
Up to$75,000
Who qualifies
Owner-occupants of existing Minnesota homes. Income limits ~$155,500–$175,400 depending on county. Minimum credit score required. Work must be done by a licensed contractor.
What it covers
Broad home improvements: plumbing, septic repair/replacement, roofing, HVAC, mold/radon. Exception: sewer hook-up costs assessable by municipality are not eligible. Lateral eligibility is case-by-case.
How to apply
Apply through a MN Housing participating lender at mnhousing.gov. Phone: 800-657-3769. This is a loan through a bank or credit union, not a grant.
Terms
$2,000–$75,000 at a fixed interest rate, up to 20 years. Not a grant — you repay this.
Sewer lateral eligibility: If your city can assess the repair to your property taxes, this loan may not cover it. Confirm with a lender first.
Agriculture Best Management Practices (AgBMP) Loan — Well & Private Water
LoanNo income limits
Up to$200,000
Who qualifies
Property owners with private wells used for drinking water. Farmer status not required. No income limits. Primarily for rural/suburban properties on private wells, not municipal water.
What it covers
Private well replacement or repair, home water treatment, connecting to public water supply, well sealing. Does not cover sewer laterals or municipal water service lines.
How to apply
Contact your county Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) or MN Dept. of Agriculture at 651-201-6618.
Terms
Up to $200,000. Maximum 10-year term. Maximum interest rate 3% plus usual fees.
Wisconsin BIL Lead Service Line Replacement Program (via Municipality)
Grant (via city)No income test
Your costFree
Who qualifies
Homeowners in Wisconsin municipalities with confirmed lead or galvanized service lines whose municipality has applied for BIL funding. You do not apply directly. Wisconsin receives $83–101M per federal fiscal year.
What it covers
Full replacement of lead/galvanized water service lines — public and private side — at no homeowner cost. Covers site restoration, electrical grounding, permit fees, and interim filtration.
How to apply
Contact your local water utility. Municipalities apply to Wisconsin DNR by June 30 annually. DNR: dnr.wisconsin.gov/aid/LSLprogram or 1-888-936-7463.
Terms
Principal forgiveness (grant-equivalent) — no repayment. Complete replacements only. FY2026 has funding capacity limitations.
Wisconsin CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program (via NWRPC)
Deferred 0% LoanIncome-based
Interest rate0%
Who qualifies
Owner-occupants in Douglas County and 9 other NW Wisconsin counties with income at or below HUD limits (Douglas Co. 2025: 1 person $56,650 / 4 persons $80,900). Note: some program language prioritizes areas outside Superior city limits — confirm with NWRPC directly.
What it covers
Sewer and water laterals are explicitly listed as eligible, along with roofing, siding, wells, septics, heating, electrical, windows, and accessibility modifications. One of the few programs in the region explicitly covering lateral work.
How to apply
Kimberly Gifford, NWRPC Housing Development Specialist: (715) 635-2197, kgifford@nwrpc.com, 1400 S River Street, Spooner, WI 54801.
Terms
0% interest, deferred payment. Repaid only at sale, transfer, or when no longer primary residence. Douglas County received $2M in most recent program award.
WHEDA More Like Home Repair and Renew Loan
LoanIncome-based
Up to$50,000
Who qualifies
Owner-occupants of Wisconsin homes built at least 40 years prior to application (single-family, condo, 2-unit, manufactured). Must meet county income limits. Home age is a hard requirement.
What it covers
Structural repairs, heating, electrical, and plumbing systems. Sewer/water lines not explicitly listed but plumbing is covered — confirm with a participating lender.
How to apply
Contact a participating lender or visit morelikehomeloan.wheda.com. Email home@wheda.com. Funded first-come, first-served.
Terms
Up to $50,000 at below-market fixed rate. Note: the 0% interest forgivable option for low-income borrowers was exhausted as of 2026. Standard below-market rate loans remain.
Forgivable option gone: The 0% forgivable loan has been fully claimed. Standard below-market rate loans are still available.
WHEDA Home Improvement Loan Program (HILP)
LoanIncome-based
Up to$50,000
Who qualifies
Owner-occupied Wisconsin properties meeting WHEDA income limits. Credit score of at least 620 required. Current on mortgage and taxes. No recent bankruptcy or foreclosure in past 24 months.
What it covers
General home repairs including roofs, furnaces, windows. Sewer/plumbing repairs are not explicitly listed — confirm covered scope with a WHEDA HILP certified lender before applying.
How to apply
Apply through a WHEDA HILP certified lender at wheda.com. WHEDA: (608) 266-7884. You have 6 months to complete renovation work once approved.
Terms
$10,000–$50,000 at 15-year fixed rate. Up to 125% LTV. $500 closing cost credit. Not a grant — this loan is repaid.
Confirm sewer eligibility: Ask the lender directly before submitting an application.
Wisconsin Fund for POWTS — Private Septic Grant
Program Ended
StatusClosed
This Wisconsin statewide grant program for failing private septic systems ended June 30, 2025 and was not funded in the state’s current biennial budget. It is no longer accepting applications. Look to the USDA Section 504 program or the NWRPC/CDBG Housing Rehab program instead.
Program ended June 30, 2025. Do not pursue — it no longer exists.
City of Cloquet I&I Sewer Lateral Grant Program
Grant (partial)Confirm funding status
AmountPartial
Who qualifies
Cloquet homeowners with leaking private sewer laterals. Program began September 2020. Cloquet is served by WLSSD. Current funding availability should be confirmed with the city.
What it covers
Partial cost assistance for repairing private leaking sewer laterals to reduce inflow and infiltration.
How to apply
Contact Public Works Director Caleb Peterson at (218) 879-6758 or cpeterson@cloquetmn.gov. Application at cloquetmn.gov.
Terms
Partial cost share — exact amounts not publicly confirmed. Contact the city for current grant amounts.
City of Ashland, WI — Lead Service Line Replacement (DNR/BIL Funded)
Free replacementNo income test
Your costFree
Who qualifies
Ashland property owners with lead or galvanized water service lines in scheduled water main replacement zones. City has been replacing ~half of its private lead laterals since 2016, accelerating under BIL funding.
What it covers
Free replacement of private service line. City now coordinates the contractor. Any lead city-owned lateral replaced simultaneously. Funded by Wisconsin SDWLP / BIL.
How to apply
Contact Civil Engineer Madison Krzciok at Ashland Public Works: (715) 682-7061 ext. 208. Homeowners in scheduled areas are contacted directly. Check coawi.org/394/Lead-Water-Service-Lines.
Terms
Free to homeowner. Water service line only — not sewer laterals.
Hermantown, Proctor, Two Harbors (MN): No dedicated city-run sewer lateral or water service line grant programs found as of June 2026. Use the AEOA Rehab Loan above. Proctor is seeking state funding for a future lead line replacement program — contact Proctor Public Utilities at (218) 624-4055 for updates.
AEOA Home Rehabilitation Loan Program — NE Minnesota (RLP/ELP)
Deferred 0% LoanLow-income only
Up to$37,500
Who qualifies
Low-income homeowners in Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis Counties. Excludes Duluth city limits — applies to Hermantown, Proctor (St. Louis Co.), and Two Harbors (Lake Co.). Income limits ~$27,800–$52,400 depending on household size.
What it covers
Plumbing, sewer lateral repairs (when required by inspection), electrical, roofing, windows, HVAC, insulation, accessibility, and septic upgrades. Sewer lateral repairs explicitly eligible when required by inspection — one of the clearest confirmations in the region.
How to apply
Complete the interest form at aeoa.org or call (218) 735-6819 or email rehab@aeoa.org.
Terms
Rehab Loan: up to $37,500 at 0%, deferred 15-year term. Emergency Loan: up to $27,000 at 0%, deferred 15-year term. Repaid only when home ceases to be primary residence.
NWRPC Community Housing Rehab Loan — Ashland & Bayfield County, WI
Deferred 0% LoanIncome-based
Interest rate0%
Who qualifies
Low-to-moderate income owner-occupants in Ashland and Bayfield Counties (and 8 other NW Wisconsin counties). Income limit ~$52,000/year for a 1-person household. Must own and occupy the home.
What it covers
Sewer and water laterals (from lot line to dwelling) are explicitly eligible, along with roofing, siding, wells, septics, heating, electrical, windows, and accessibility modifications. Same program as Douglas County.
How to apply
Kimberly Gifford, NWRPC: (715) 635-2197, kgifford@nwrpc.com, 1400 S River Street, Spooner, WI 54801.
Terms
0% interest, deferred. Repaid only at sale, transfer, or when no longer primary residence.
EPA DWSRF / Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — Lead Service Line Funding (Duluth & Superior)
Grant (via city)No income test
Your costFree
Who qualifies
Homeowners in Duluth, MN and Superior, WI with lead or galvanized water service lines. You do not apply — your city/utility enrolls your property automatically when your street is scheduled.
What it covers
The $15 billion federal program funding both Duluth’s and SWLP’s free lead line programs. Full private-side and public-side replacement at zero homeowner cost.
How to apply
Duluth: leadremoval@duluthmn.gov or 218-730-4673. Superior/SWLP: 1-800-227-7957 or swlpquestions@swlp.com. Check address at maps.umn.edu/LSL (MN) or swlp.com (Superior).
Terms
No cost to homeowner. See Duluth and Superior tabs for city-specific program details.
Funding timeline: FY2026 is the final year of IIJA supplemental DWSRF funding. Check with your city before counting on availability.
Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity — Critical Home Repair (USDA Housing Preservation Grant)
GrantIncome-basedConfirm availability
Avg. per household~$4,400
Who qualifies
Low- and very low-income homeowners in Douglas County, WI and 7 other NW Wisconsin counties (Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Polk, Price, Rusk, Washburn). $110,000 awarded March 2026 for ~25 households.
What it covers
Critical home repairs addressing health and safety hazards including plumbing. Whether sewer/water laterals are in scope should be confirmed directly with Wild Rivers.
How to apply
Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity: 1357 N. River Street, Spooner, WI 54801. Phone: (715) 939-1390. Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm by appointment.
Terms
Grant — no repayment. Limited to ~25 households. Contact directly to confirm intake is still open.
HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) — Homeowner Sewer/Water Rehab
Grant or LoanIncome-basedVaries by city
Typically$10–25K
Who qualifies
Owner-occupants at or below 80% of Area Median Income in cities that have allocated CDBG funds for homeowner sewer/water rehab. Duluth is an entitlement city. You apply to your city or county, not HUD.
What it covers
When allocated for housing rehab: sewer lateral repair/replacement, water line work, connection fees, related plumbing. Not all cities use CDBG this way.
How to apply
Contact Duluth Community Development or Douglas County, WI Housing & Community Development and ask whether CDBG funds are currently allocated for homeowner sewer/water rehab.
Terms
Varies by local program — grants or deferred 0% loans. Common caps: $10,000–$25,000 per household.
Confirm locally: Whether a program exists requires a direct call. Cannot be confirmed remotely.
USDA Section 504 Home Repair Loan & Grant
LoanGrant (age 62+)Income-based
Up to$50,000
Who qualifies
Owner-occupants in USDA-eligible rural areas with income at or below 50% of area median income. Grant portion (up to $10,000, no repayment) is for homeowners age 62+ only. Duluth city addresses almost certainly do not qualify — check your address at eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov first. Superior, WI and rural surrounding areas are more likely to qualify.
What it covers
Plumbing, sewer lateral repair or replacement, water service lines, connection fees. Sewer and water work are explicitly eligible. Broadly covers repairs to make the home safe, sanitary, and structurally sound.
How to apply
MN: USDA Rural Development (651) 602-7800. WI: (715) 345-7635. Applications year-round at rd.usda.gov. Check address eligibility first.
Terms
Loan: up to $40,000 at 1% fixed, 20-year term. Grant (62+): up to $10,000, no repayment. Pilot program extended through December 2026.
Geographic restriction: Confirm your address qualifies as USDA rural before pursuing — the most common disqualifier. Use the USDA eligibility map.
USDA Rural Decentralized Water Systems Grant Program
Loan (via nonprofit)Rural areas only
Up to$15,000
Who qualifies
Homeowners in USDA-eligible rural areas through a participating nonprofit intermediary. Not available in Duluth proper. Relevant for rural St. Louis County, MN or Douglas County, WI.
What it covers
Individual household water wells and decentralized wastewater (septic) systems. You do not apply directly to USDA.
How to apply
Contact your USDA Rural Development state office for a list of participating nonprofits in your county.
Terms
Up to $15,000 at 1% fixed interest, 20-year maximum term.
As of mid-2026: New applications from nonprofits to USDA were paused. Confirm current availability before pursuing.
Metropolitan Council Private Property I/I Grant
Grant (50–90%)Equity boost available
Up to$10,000
Who qualifies
Property owners in Metropolitan Council-designated municipalities that opt in with I/I reduction obligations. Not available in Duluth, Superior, or Northland communities.
Terms
50% of eligible costs up to $5,000 standard. Up to 90% / $10,000 for equity-criterion properties. 2026 pool: $1.5 million. Apply through your city.
Minneapolis Private Sewer Lateral Grant
Grant (50–100%)Tiered by location
Up to$10,000
Who qualifies
Owner-occupants of single-family homes, duplexes, or triplexes in Minneapolis (must occupy one unit).
Terms & status
Three tiers: 50% up to $5,000; 75% up to $7,500; 100% up to $10,000 by property zone. 2026 application window closed March 20, 2026. Check for 2027 cycle through Met Council.
2026 window closed. Check Minneapolis Public Works for next cycle.
Saint Paul MCES Sewer Lateral Grant Program
Grant (50–90%)Higher match for low-income tracts
Up to$10,000
Who qualifies
Residential property owners in Saint Paul. Owner-occupied in standard zones. Rental in LIHTC Qualified Census Tracts if rent ≤ $1,500/month. Three licensed contractor bids required.
Terms & status
Low-income census tracts: 90% up to $10,000. Other areas: 50% up to $5,000. All 2026 funds fully allocated. New funding expected 2027. Call (651) 266-6234.
2026 funds exhausted. Program runs annually — new funding expected in 2027.
About This Page
This resource is provided by Contour Trenchless Sewer Repair as a public service. We research these programs to help homeowners understand their options — we are a plumbing contractor, not a government agency, housing counselor, or financial advisor.
We cannot guarantee: that any program is currently accepting applications, that you will qualify, or that amounts or terms listed are still current. Program funding is limited and often exhausted before year’s end. Application windows change annually.
Before starting any work: contact the administering agency directly to confirm the program is active, verify your eligibility, and understand any contractor approval requirements. Some programs require pre-approval before work begins — starting without it can disqualify you from reimbursement.
For questions about sewer lateral or water service line repair in the Duluth–Superior area, contact Contour — we’re happy to help you understand the repair process and connect you with the right programs before we start any work.
How to Read the Tags
Grant No repayment required
Loan Must be repaid
Deferred Loan Repaid at sale, not monthly
Income-based Must meet income limits
No income test Open to all
Confirm availability Status unclear; call to verify
Program Ended No longer accepting applications
Last researched: June 2026. Programs change annually — confirm current status directly with the administering agency before beginning work.