The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently announced a grant program offering up to $49 million to support small drinking water and wastewater systems, many of which serve rural communities. This funding will be used to provide technical assistance and training aimed at improving water quality and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Numerous small drinking water systems, serving fewer than 10,000 people, face significant challenges in consistently delivering safe water to their communities. These challenges often include high staff turnover, aging infrastructure, and limited financial resources. Wastewater systems in small communities encounter similar obstacles.
This grant program aims to address these challenges by funding organizations that provide specialized technical assistance and training to these systems. This support will equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to ensure safe drinking water and responsible wastewater treatment.
The application window for this competitive grant program is currently open. The deadline for submitting questions about applying is November 11th, 2024, and applications are due by November 25th, 2024. The EPA anticipates awarding the grants by summer 2025.