Jessica Kramer Confirmed to Lead EPA’s Office of Water

On behalf of the more than 31,000 small and rural water and wastewater utilities the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) represents, we are excited to congratulate Jessica Kramer on her appointment as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water. Ms. Kramer was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

"This is great news for rural America and the utilities we represent," said NRWA CEO Matt Holmes. "Jess Kramer uniquely understands and respects the challenges and opportunities that rural communities and citizens face every day."

Ms. Kramer's distinguished career in water policy, environmental law, and regulatory affairs makes her uniquely qualified to lead the Office of Water at this crucial time. She has the ability to balance sound environmental policy with practical, local solutions, which has earned her the respect of water sector leaders across the country. Ms. Kramer's commitment to ensuring that water utilities are not unfairly burdened with the cost of cleaning up pollution they did not create is just one example of why small and rural water systems across the nation welcome her appointment as Assistant Administrator.

Ms. Kramer has consistently championed water quality and environmental policies that protect public health while recognizing the financial and operational realities of small systems. She understands robust training and technical assistance programs-delivered by trusted, proven partners like NRWA-are essential to ensuring long-term compliance, sustainability and affordability for communities and rate payers nationwide. Small and rural water systems, which make up over 90% of the nation's drinking water utilities, face serious challenges like aging infrastructure, personnel shortages and an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. With Ms. Kramer's leadership, we know that small and rural communities' interests will not be forgotten.

Her extensive experience across federal, state, and local water policy-combined with her track record of bipartisan collaboration and regulatory expertise-makes her the ideal choice to lead EPA's Office of Water. We are confident that her leadership will result in pragmatic, effective policies that protect public health and the environment while enhancing the viability of the nation's water systems.

"We look forward to working with her to advance feasible and affordable water policies that serve all Americans, especially those in small and rural communities," concluded Holmes.

To read the full press release from EPA, visit their website here.