How can you finance water savings and pollution reduction for your business?

Summary

The Agence de l'eau Adour-Garonne operates across the Adour-Garonne river basin to preserve the quality and quantity of water resources. Its 12th intervention programme, Eau 2025-2030, places strong emphasis on adapting to climate change, water efficiency, pollution reduction and restoring aquatic environments. Industrial and craft businesses in particular can look at grants for water savings, clean technologies, treatment facilities, stormwater management and certain studies. Criteria vary according to the scheme and the applicant's profile.

The Eau 2025-2030 programme: the Agency's priorities

The 12th intervention programme covers the 2025-2030 period and has an announced budget of €2 billion over six years. Its priorities are adapting to climate change, reducing pollution, sustainably managing water resources and protecting biodiversity. Grants are distributed according to terms and criteria defined by theme; they are not a general investment subsidy. You need to identify the pressure on water resources that the project will help reduce and the corresponding funding scheme. CITE:turn494492search6

Which businesses and projects may be eligible?

The Agency offers grants to several profiles: industrial operators and businesses, craftspeople, farmers, local authorities, associations and research bodies. For industrial and craft activities, the stated focus areas include reducing macro- and micro-pollutant pollution, water savings, recycling process water, clean technologies and integrated stormwater management. Eligibility depends on the project's impact on water resources or the environment, the size and status of the business, and the programme's rules. CITE:turn494492search1

Saving water and recycling process water

Investments can target reducing water withdrawals, closed-loop systems, water-efficient equipment, or reusing non-conventional water sources, in particular treated wastewater and rainwater. A business must be able to describe its initial consumption, the uses concerned, the expected savings and the technical solutions chosen. Feasibility studies can be useful for assessing needs, analysing flows and sizing equipment. Eligible works, performance criteria and rates must be checked in the current thematic fact sheet.

Reducing polluting discharges and accidental risks

The Agency can support clean technologies, internal upgrades, treatment facilities, sludge management, self-monitoring, or works to combat accidental pollution and discharges during rainfall. The objective must be documented: the nature of the discharges, the substances involved, the impact on the environment and the expected benefits. Some actions can be carried out as part of collective partnership operations, in particular when several businesses from a sector or territory act together. Published rates vary according to the operation and the beneficiaries' status; do not apply them without reading the scheme's conditions. CITE:turn494492search1CITE:turn494492search8

Integrated stormwater management

Projects involving de-sealing surfaces, infiltration, renaturation or source-control of stormwater can help limit runoff and restore the natural functions of soils. For business projects, you need to check the exact theme and the conditions relating to surface area, location, design and environmental benefit. Some grants are designed for territorial operations or local authorities: they are not necessarily directly accessible to an individual business.

How do you submit an application?

Grants are searched for via the official financial support portal, and applications are then submitted through the RIVAGE platform. The applicant must identify the theme and the scheme, describe the project, cost out the expenses and provide the documents required by the fact sheet and the general award terms. Before making any commitment, ask for confirmation of the eligibility date for expenses, the necessary supporting documents, and any competitive bidding or monitoring obligations. Keep copies of the fact sheet versions consulted at the time of application. CITE:turn494492search0

Rates, combination rules and limits to anticipate

Rates are not uniform. The official page dedicated to industrial and craft activities, for example, shows ranges that vary by scheme, while EU state aid rules may cap the maximum rate or limit combination with other funding. Caps depend on the type of beneficiary, the nature of the works and the scheme. A grant awarded in a previous period, or a historical entry in the database, does not prove that a scheme remains open on the same terms. Check the resolution, the up-to-date thematic fact sheet and budget availability.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Can all businesses in the river basin obtain a grant? A. No. The project must match the scheme's objectives and criteria, and the beneficiary must be eligible. Q. Do the grants only fund works? A. No. Depending on the theme, they can cover studies, collective actions, equipment or works. Q. Can you know the grant rate in advance? A. It depends on the scheme, the beneficiary's status and the applicable state aid framework; confirm it with the Agency. Q. How do you submit the application? A. Search for the theme on the official website, then follow the submission process in RIVAGE. Q. Are all six fact sheets in the catalogue currently open? A. Being listed in the database does not confirm current availability.