EPA Announces $30 Million to Help Small and Rural Communities Protect Their Water

"Rural communities are the backbone of this country, and I firmly believe that we must do everything we can to ensure that they can continue to have access to clean and safe water," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer. "EPA is investing $30 million from the RealWaterTA initiative to provide resources to small and rural communities who are working to fulfill critical water infrastructure needs to protect human health and the environment and Power the Great American Comeback." 

"With some of the largest farms and ranches in the U.S. and the rugged terrain of the western mountains, EPA Region 8 knows and values that small and rural systems face unique challenges," said EPA Regional Administrator Cyrus Western. "With this RealWaterTA funding, EPA is ensuring that small water systems have the resources they need to keep drinking water safe and reliable."

In the U.S., over 90% of drinking water systems serve fewer than 10,000 people and many of these systems are in rural communities. These small drinking water systems, as well as small wastewater systems, work hard to protect their communities' water, but they face unique challenges including high operator turnover, aging infrastructure, and lack of financial resources. Through this grant, EPA will fund organizations that will work side-by-side with small systems and private well owners across the country to address their challenges and continue to provide clean and safe water that is foundational to people's health.  

Eligible applicants for this grant opportunity are nonprofit organizations, nonprofit private universities and colleges, and public institutions of higher education. EPA anticipates that up to five awards will be made, totaling up to $30.7 million in federal funds.  

The purpose of the agreements is to provide training and technical assistance to:  

• Small public water systems to achieve and maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. 

• Small public water systems on a wide range of managerial and/or financial topics that support compliance. 

• Small publicly owned wastewater systems and communities served by onsite-decentralized wastewater systems to help strengthen local water resources. 

• Private well owners to help improve drinking water quality. 

This grant is part of the EPA's larger commitment through Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTAExit EPA's website), which aims to provide a range of assistance for communities to identify water challenges, identify solutions, and give real-world results. The application period for these competitive grants is now open. The funding opportunity will remain open for 30 days on Grants.govExit EPA's website.  

Learn more about Training and Technical Assistance for Small Systems FundingExit EPA's website.