ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — North Carolina communities recovering from Hurricane Helene can now apply year-round for nearly $686 million in federal funding to repair and strengthen drinking water, wastewater and septic systems, state officials announced.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency allocated the funds through the state’s revolving loan programs, with the goal of reducing flood risk and improving resiliency in systems damaged by last September’s storm.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Infrastructure said the money includes $409 million for drinking water projects, $254 million for wastewater projects and $22.5 million to improve septic systems. Loans are offered at zero percent interest, with principal forgiveness available for some projects.

“Families across North Carolina should be able to turn on their faucets at home knowing their water is safe,” Gov. Josh Stein said in a statement. “This DEQ announcement is a step forward in Western North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Helene.”

DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson said Helene “absolutely hammered drinking water, wastewater and septic systems throughout our mountains” and urged communities to apply for help repairing and upgrading systems to withstand future storms.

Funding is available to local governments, nonprofit water and wastewater providers and investor-owned drinking water companies affected by Helene. Eligible projects include reducing flood risk, improving resilience to natural disasters, repairing or replacing septic systems and, in some cases, connecting homes to centralized wastewater treatment.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the Division of Water Infrastructure’s website.