How can you get a grant to reduce pollution or save water in your business?

Key points

The 12th programme covers the 2025-2030 period. The schemes are presented in the Agency's official fact sheets, and applications go through its online service portal. Do not sign a quote or enter into a legal commitment for the works before checking the applicable rules and dates.

What projects may be eligible?

The Agency supports studies, works and research projects that reduce pollution at source, limit discharges of hazardous substances, or reduce water consumption. Depending on the scheme, coordination of collective initiatives, diagnostics and innovative solutions may also be covered. Priority is given to improving the state of the environment and the objectives of the SDAGE (river basin management plan).

1. Reduction of industrial pollution

Fact sheet IND1 targets businesses and research bodies preparing studies or works to reduce industrial pollution, as well as R&D projects targeting micro-pollutant emissions. The database mentions a maximum rate of 40% for studies and works and 50% for R&D projects. These rates are indicative: the funding base, caps, combination rules and project-specific conditions must be confirmed in the current official fact sheet.

2. Sector-wide grouped operations

Fact sheet IND2 covers operations carried out collectively at the scale of an industry or sector, in particular to reduce diffuse micro-pollutant emissions and water consumption. The organisations leading the operation and their partners may have a different role from the businesses carrying out the works. The amount depends on the project; you should therefore consult the Agency beforehand to validate the lead organisation, the collective scope and the eligible expenses.

3. Water efficiency for industrial and economic activities

Fact sheet ECO3 covers studies and works for water savings, certain outreach and awareness-raising actions, and R&D or innovation on water-saving equipment. The database indicates a works funding base capped at €40 per m³ saved per year. Like-for-like replacement alone and standalone metering equipment are excluded in particular, according to the reference fact sheet. Technical conditions, the calculation of savings and any thresholds must be checked in the current official fact sheet.

4. Préventox operation — Doubs and Ognon

This fact sheet relates to a targeted territorial operation to reduce toxic substances, with studies, pilot trials and works that may include treatment equipment or accidental-pollution prevention equipment. The database mentions a minimum of €5,000 excl. VAT in eligible expenses and indicative rates that vary by business size. The operation is geographically specific: a business must confirm with local partners and the Agency that its site and project are covered and that the programme is still active.

Who can apply for a grant?

Beneficiaries vary by fact sheet: non-agricultural businesses, industrial operators, companies, cooperatives, research bodies, organisations leading collective operations, and partners. The location must be within the Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse basin, and rules may differ between regional delegations. Agricultural projects fall under other fact sheets in the programme.

How do you submit your application?

1. Describe the environmental problem, the site, the volumes of water or pollutants involved, and the expected results.
2. Identify the corresponding grant fact sheet and contact the relevant Agency delegation.
3. Prepare the preliminary project or specifications, studies, quotes and technical supporting documents.
4. Submit the complete application via the grants online service portal.
5. Wait for the acknowledgement of receipt and check the conditions for starting the project before placing any order or signing a contract.

Useful documents and evidence

Depending on the scheme: description of the process and discharges, consumption analyses or measurements, feasibility study, comparison of solutions, quotes, timeline, financing plan, business status, administrative authorisations and performance indicators. For a water-saving project, prepare a method for measuring and justifying the volumes saved.

Points to watch

The application must be submitted before the project's legal commitment; a signed order or quote can jeopardise eligibility. The published rate guarantees neither the final amount nor the award of the grant. Grants depend on the criteria, the available budget, the applicable legal framework and the Agency's decision. Grouped operations and Préventox have specific lead-organisation or territorial conditions.

What is the current programme?

The 12th intervention programme, "Sauvons l'eau!" ("Let's save water!"), covers 2025-2030. Detailed fact sheets and current calls are published on the Agency's website.

Can the works start before submitting an application?

The application must be submitted before the project's legal commitment. Check the exact rule with the Agency; do not sign a quote or order before confirming the eligibility date.

Are all businesses eligible?

No. The fact sheet, the sector, the geographic basin, the expenses and the environmental objectives determine eligibility. Some grants are reserved for collective operations or a specific territory.

What amount can be funded?

The rate or amount depends on the fact sheet and the project. The rates shown in the catalogues are benchmarks to be confirmed with the official fact sheet and the Agency's review process.

Official sources

• Grants under the 12th programme — Agence de l'eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse
• Industrial operators and other economic activities — Agence de l'eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse
• IND1 — Reduction of industrial pollution — Agence de l'eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse
• IND2 — Sector-wide grouped operations — Agence de l'eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse
• ECO3 — Water efficiency for industrial and economic activities — Agence de l'eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse
• General grant conditions — Agence de l'eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse
• Grants portal — Agence de l'eau Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse
• Water efficiency for businesses — Mission Transition écologique / public source