The Department of Health will offer low-interest emergency loans to small water systems damaged by natural disasters such as wildfires, drought or floods.

Water systems can apply for loans of up to $100,000 to pay for repairs that will enable them to restore water service as quickly as possible. Interest rates for the two-year loans are 1 percent to 1.5 percent.

The loans will be administered through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program. Emergency awards will go to eligible communities for projects that achieve the greatest impact of reducing public health risk. Up to 75 percent of the total loan amount may be forgiven for an emergency loan.

Public water systems that serve up to 10,000 people are eligible to apply, including tribal governments and homeowners associations. Loan recipients must complete their projects within two years of signing the loan agreement. Water systems interested in applying for loans may contact the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program manager Janet Cherry, 360-236-3153.