EPA offers $30 million in grants to support rural water systems, improve water quality
(UI) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of up to $30.7 million in grant funding to support small drinking water and wastewater systems, particularly those in rural communities, as well as private well owners working to improve water quality.
More than 90% of U.S. drinking water systems serve fewer than 10,000 people. While these systems generally provide safe drinking water, they often face challenges like aging infrastructure, limited financial resources, and high staff turnover. Wastewater systems in small communities face similar hurdles. The grant program provides funding to organizations that will offer technical assistance and training to help these systems ensure safe drinking water and responsible wastewater treatment.
“Water champions at thousands of small drinking water and wastewater systems nationwide ensure their communities have clean, safe water,” said Bruno Pigott, EPA’s Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water. “This new $30 million funding will support technical assistance providers in helping small communities meet public health and water safety goals.”
The grant targets small and rural communities, offering funds to nonprofit organizations, universities, and public institutions to provide training on maintaining compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and improving water quality. The EPA expects to award four to five cooperative agreements totaling up to $30.7 million.
Since 2012, Congress has funded this program, providing over $170 million to assist small systems. This initiative also aligns with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to direct 40% of certain federal investment benefits to disadvantaged communities.
Applications are now open, with a deadline of November 25, 2024, and the EPA expects to award the grants by summer 2025. More information is available on Grants.gov.
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