Regional Water Authority Opens Applications for 2026 Emergency Responder Grant Program

NEW HAVEN, CT — The Regional Water Authority is accepting
applications for its 2026 Emergency Responder Grant Program, offering grants of up to $2,000 to fire departments and emergency service agencies serving communities across its service area.

Those are:

Ansonia
Bethany
Branford
Cheshire
Derby
East Haven
Hamden
Milford
New Haven
North Branford
North Haven
Orange
Seymour
West Haven
Woodbridge

"While our primary mission is delivering high-quality drinking water, the RWA also provides a
lifeline for emergency services like firefighting," said RWA President Sunder 'Sunny' Lakshminarayan. "We collaborate closely with first responders daily, and we are proud to use
this grant program to support the organizations safeguarding our communities, customers, and employees."

Since launching in 2024, the RWA’s Emergency Responder Grant Program has awarded more than $30,000 to 23 local fire, ambulance, and emergency services organizations.

Grant funding has supported the purchase of protective gear, thermal imaging cameras, training materials, rescue equipment and other essential resources.

Grant eligibility is limited to professional and volunteer fire and emergency service agencies that operate within the RWA’s service territory.

The maximum available grant is $2,000, which can be combined with other funding sources to supplement larger funding needs.

Eligible fire and emergency service organizations can apply using the form on the RWA’s website.

Grant applications will be accepted through Oct. 21, and winners will be announced on Oct. 27, ahead of National First Responders Day, Oct. 28.

About the Regional Water Authority

The Regional Water Authority (RWA) is a locally governed, not-for-profit water authority providing water service to more than 430,000 people in 15 municipalities across Connecticut.

Based in New Haven, Connecticut, the RWA is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and long-term stewardship of one of the state’s largest water systems. Through local governance, operational expertise, and continued investment in critical infrastructure, RWA is committed to delivering safe, reliable water service to the communities it serves. For more information, visit rwater.com.