Rural Well Financing Brings Running Water to Eureka, Montana
For 10 years, Carla Danielson and her daughter lived without running water at their home in Eureka, Montana. During that time, they carried water from a nearby creek and waded into the river with gallon jugs, using the water for their everyday needs.
“It’s not easy,” Carla said. “It was very discouraging. I’m 75 and tired. It’s not fun hauling water, and you have to have that.”
After months of working to secure financing for a well, they finally have running water. Local contractor Davis Brothers Drilling installed the well on the family’s property in Eureka, a small town in Montana’s Tobacco Valley just south of the Canadian border.
Finding Communities Unlimited
A woman in town found Communities Unlimited (CU) online and gave Danielson the phone number. Danielson called CU’s Lending Team and started working with Loan Officer Alex Cordero on financing for the well.
A USDA-Backed Loan Program for Rural Wells
Through funding from the USDA Decentralized Water Systems Program, CU offers low-interest loans to eligible rural homeowners for well and septic system repairs or replacements, part of Communities Unlimited’s lending work. The program extends beyond CU’s seven-state service area through its partnership with the Midwest Assistance Program (MAP), reaching homeowners in 16 states, including Montana.
When the First Estimate Came in Too High
The first estimate came in above the program’s loan limit. On a fixed income, Danielson couldn’t afford to cover the difference.
She kept at it anyway, staying in touch with Cordero and the contractors. Cordero also worked with the drilling company to explain the loan program and explore what might be possible.
A Contractor Steps Up
Davis Brothers Drilling ultimately agreed to complete the project, bringing the cost within the loan limit and allowing CU to approve Danielson’s financing.
“We wouldn’t have this well if it weren’t for Davis Brothers Drilling,” Danielson said.
Running Water at Last
The crew started drilling the week of Sept. 28, and Danielson now has running water.
“I went from desperation, tears of the frustration, to happy tears,” Danielson said. “I can’t believe it.”
For Danielson and her daughter, the trips to the creek are done.
“You can do anything if you have water,” she said. “It’s so precious.”
