EPA Allocates $30 Million to Enhance Water Systems in Small and Rural Communities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $30 million grant program aimed at improving drinking water and wastewater systems in small and rural communities. This initiative, known as the Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) program, is designed to provide training and technical assistance to bolster the technical, managerial, and financial capacities of small public drinking water systems, publicly owned wastewater systems, and decentralized wastewater systems. The program also extends support to private well owners, including PFAS testing and lead service line identification. The EPA plans to distribute approximately $14.58 million to the Rural Community Assistance Partnership, $9.1 million to the National Rural Water Association, and $7.02 million to the Southwest Environmental Finance Center at the University of New Mexico. The funding will support various activities such as operator training, asset management planning, rate-setting, financial planning, and regulatory compl... 
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