EPA awards $12.7M to assist small drinking water and wastewater systems

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2016 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the award of $12.7 million in grants to help small drinking and wastewater systems and private well owners located in urban and rural communities throughout the U.S. and its territories. The water systems will receive training and technical assistance to improve small system operations and management practices, promote system sustainability, and better protect public health and the environment.

More than 97 percent of the nation’s 157,000 public water systems serve fewer than 10,000 people, and more than 80 percent of these systems serve fewer than 500 people. Many small systems face unique challenges in providing reliable drinking water and wastewater services that meet federal and state regulations. These challenges can include a lack of financial resources, aging infrastructure, and high staff turnover.

“Ensuring safe drinking water for all Americans, whether they live in a small town or a big city, is a priority for EPA and these grants will help smaller systems in communities across the country,” said Joel Beauvais, Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Water.

The selected grantees are: