NATIONAL WATER
PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Publication Number: 800D17001
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Introduction 1
Program Specific Guidance 2
SAFE DRINKING WATER 2
1. Development/Revision of Drinking Water Standards/Regulations 2
2. Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) 3
3. Lead in Drinking Water 4
4. Implementation of Drinking Water Standards/Regulations/ Health Advisories and Technical
Assistance 4
5. Capacity Development for Drinking Water Systems 6
6. Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)/ Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) Health Advisory 8
7. Public Water System Supervision Grant Guidance 9
8. Safe Drinking Water Information System 10
9. Drinking Water State Revolving Fund 10
10. Source Water Protection 12
11. Underground Injection Control (Including UIC Grant Guidance) 13
SAFE SWIMMING 16
1. Human Health Recreational Criteria and/or Swimming Advisories for Cyanotoxins, Microcystins
and Cylindrospermopsin 16
2. Overflows from Combined Sewer Systems (CSSs) and Sanitary Sewer Systems (SSSs) 16
WATER QUALITY 18
1. Clean Water SRF (CWSRF) Guidance 18
2. Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program 19
3. Section 106 Grant Guidance to States, Interstate Agencies, and Tribes: General Information 20
4. Nutrient Reduction Partnership 21
5. Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment 22
6. TMDLs and Other Plans to Restore and Protect Water Quality 24
7. Protecting Healthy and High Quality Waters 25
8. Gulf of Mexico Restoration 26
9. Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution 26
10. Urban Waters Program 27
11. Technology and Innovation for Water Infrastructure and Clean and Safer Water 27
12. Water Quality Standards Program 28
13. Recommended Numeric Nutrient Criteria for Lakes and Reservoirs of the Continental United
States 30
i
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
14. NPDES Program 30
Permit and Program Quality Reviews (PQRs) 31
High Priority Permits 31
Stormwaterand Green Infrastructure (Gl) 32
Integrating Municipal Storm water and Wastewater Plans 33
Sanitary Sewer Overflows and Bypasses 34
Nutrients 34
Watershed Permits/Water Quality Trading 35
Animal Agriculture 35
Vessels 36
Pretreatment 36
WETLANDS AND OTHER WATER RESOURCES 38
1. State and Tribal Partnerships 39
2. Wetlands Restored and Enhanced Through Partnerships 40
Appendix A-Performance Measures 41
New Measures 41
Revised Measures 43
FY 2017 Measures Continued in FY 2018 44
Measures Associated with Eliminated Work 49
Discontinued Measures 55
Appendix B - Key Contacts 56
Appendix C- Additional Guidance for CWA Section 106 State, Interstate, and Tribal Grant Recipients.... 57
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Introduction
The FY 2018-2019 National Water Program Guidance describes how the EPA, states, territories,
and tribal governments will work together to protect and improve the quality of the Nation's
waters both at the tap and in the environment.
While much progress has been made over the last two decades, challenges remain to protecting
America's waters. Aging infrastructure, lead and emerging contaminants in drinking water, and
nutrient pollution leading to harmful algal blooms which impact drinking water sources,
recreation and tourism, are some of the priority issues needing the most attention. In FY 2018-
2019, the National Water Program will focus its resources on supportingthe modernization of
outdated water infrastructure; creating incentives for new water technologies and innovation;
and funding the core requirements of the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act while
providing states and tribes with flexibility to best address their particular priorities.
The EPA's funding of specific regional efforts such as the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the
Chesapeake Bay, and other geographic programs will be discontinued. EPA will follow the
direction of Congress on priorities associated with these programs.
A number of other programs, as well as functions that can be addressed by other programs or
that are state and local responsibilities, are being discontinued or scaled back. The following
programs will be eliminated or scaled back: Beach grants; Non-point source grants (Sec. 319);
National Estuary Program/Coastal Waterways; Marine Pollution; and infrastructure assistance to
Alaska Native Villages and the Mexico Border.
We may discontinue collection and reporting of performance data for these eliminated programs
and will not set national targets or commitments for them.
As sovereign entities and environmental co-regulators, Indian tribes play a major role in
protecting vita I water resources. EPA continues to work with tribes toward full implementation of
water programs in Indian country (i.e., programs implemented by tribes or by EPA). EPA, in
consultation with tribes, also works with states to protect water resources outside of Indian
country where tribes have rights, such as treaty guarantees of resource protection. The National
Water Program will continue to emphasize improving relationships with tribes through
partnerships, outreach, and consultation. To promote information exchange and technical
assistance among tribes and to identify and analyze high-priority water to pics from a tribal
perspective, EPA will continue to supportthe National Tribal Water Council, which serves as a
national forum for tribal water managers to interact with each other, with tribes, and directly
with the Agency. EPA will also continue to work in partnership with the Department of
Agriculture, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Housing and Urban
Development, and Department of the Interior through the Infrastructure Task Force to increase
access to safe water and basic sanitation in Indian country. EPA will evaluate progress using a set
of National Water Programs measures directly supporting tribes. These measures will be denoted
with the words (Tribal Measure).
1
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Program Specific Guidance
The following sections of the Guidance discuss in more detail the National Water Program. For
each component of the National Water Program, the Guidance includes a brief overview followed
by a listing where available, of EPA activities, expected state, local and tribal activities, and
performance measures.
SAFE DRINKING WATER
The protection of the Nation's public health through safe drinking water has been a shared
responsibility of EPA, states, and tribes for more than 35 years. The fundamental public
health protection mission of the national drinking water program1 is to ensure that Public
Water Systems (PWS) reliably deliver drinking water that is safe, meeting national primary
drinking water standards, to their customers. As of 2017, 50,366 Community Water Systems
(CWSs) nationwide supply drinking water to more than 300 million Americans
(approximately 95% of the U.S. population). The development and implementation of health
protect ion-based regulatory actions and standards for drinking water quality to limit human
exposure to contaminants of concern is the cornerstone of the program.
1. Development/Revision of Drinking Water Standards/Regulations
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)2 requires the Agency to develop or revise drinking
water standards to protect public health of the nation's drinking water consumers. As such,
SDWA and accompanying regulations establish Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs),
treatment techniques, and monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure that water
provided to customers is safe for human consumption. The statutorily driven process is
cyclical in nature beginning with the Contaminant Candidate List (CCL)/Unregulated
Contaminated Monitoring Rule (UCMR), followed by Regulatory determinations, standard
proposal and six-year rule review.
The Agency will continue to work with states and tribes to address the development or
revision of drinking water standards to protect human health in FY 2018-2019.
1 Read more on the national drinking water program at http://water.epa.gov/drink/.
2 Read more about SDWA at: https://www.epa.gov/sdwa.
2
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
EPA Activities
1. Examine information on contaminants in CCL 4 to determine whether existing data
support Regulatory Determinations to regulate or not regulate specific
contaminants in the list.
2. Compile, organize, and evaluate information on potential chemical, radiological, and
microbiological contaminants with the greatest potential for human health
concerns. In FY2020, EPA will publish a draft of CCL 5.
3. Analyze scientific and technical information for contaminants identified in the third
Six-Year Review of existing regulations.
4. Initiate the compilation and evaluation of new information on health effects,
occurrence, treatment technologies, and other information for regulated
contaminants in preparation for the completion of the fourth Six Year Review of
existing regulations in FY2023.
5. Inform development of the proposed Perchlorate Regulation based on the best
available peer reviewed science including Biologically Based Dose Response (BBDR)
models3and epidemiological studies.
Expected State, Local and Community Activities
1. Engage with EPA, drinking water industry representatives, academics,
environmental groups, experts, and other stakeholders to gain information on
distribution system issues, especially prevention of disinfection byproduct formation
and the reduction in human health risks that could result from exposure to fewer
disinfection byproducts.
2. Collaborate with EPA, scientists, and the public to undertake the highest priority
research and information collection activities to better understand water quality
issues while fostering the development of new drinking water technologies to
address health risks posed by contaminants.
3. Actively engage to obtain input in the development of the proposed perch lorate
regulation.
2. Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR)
EPA Activities
1. Collect, compile, review, and analyze data on the frequency and level of occurrence
of 30 unregulated contaminants in public drinking water systems through direct
implementation of UCMR4.4 Key activities for EPA include management of all
aspects of small-system monitoring approval and oversight of supporting
laboratories, troubleshooting and providing technical assistance, and reviewing and
validating data.
2. Continue to develop, refine, validate, and approve chemical, radiological, and
microbiological analytical methods to monitor unregulated and regulated
contaminants for use in the UCMR 5 program and compliance monitoring,
respectively.
3 Read more about proposed Perchlorate regulation at https://www.epa.gov/dwstandardsregulations/perchlorate-drinking-
water.
4 Read more about UCMR 4at https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/fourth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule.
3
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
3. Provide technical assistance to states, tribes, and communities on emerging
contaminants.
3. Lead in Drinking Water
EPA Activities
1. Promulgate a rule that makes conforming changes to existing regulations based on
the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act (RLDWA5) of 2011 and the Community
Fire Safety Act of 2013, and that affects the use and introduction into commerce of
lead pipes, plumbing fittings or fixtures, and solder and flux.
2. Complete the review of the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) in accordance with the
EPA's Final Plan for Periodic Retrospective Review of Existing Regulations. The final
revisions should be promulgated within 18 months of publication of the proposal.
3. Clarify LCR requirements to ensure proper sampling locations and techniques, and
to increase technical training to state and water utility staff.
4. Provide trainings and up-to-date information to assist schools and childcare facilities
in their efforts to reduce lead in drinking water, based on EPA'S 3Ts for Reducing
Lead in Drinking Water in Schools 6.
5. Continue to assist primacy agencies and public water system in efforts to enhance
the implementation of the LCR and the Optimal Corrosion Control Treatment (OCCT)
reauirements7. OCCT Evaluation Technical Recommendations are designed to help
Primacy Agencies and Public Water Systems assist effective implementation of
corrosion control treatment and maximize public health protection.
Expected State, Tribal, Local and Community Activities
1. Actively engage to obtain input in the development of revisions to the LCR and on
proposed regulations SDWA1417 "lead free".
2. Work in partnership with EPA to ensure that violations occurring at schools and
child care centers are addressed quickly and these systems are returned to
compliance.
3. Participate in various types of trainings that provide compliance assistance tools.
4. Implementation of Drinking Water Standards/Regulations/
Health Advisories and Technical Assistance
EPA Activities
1. Continue oversight of state primacy agencies through the process of annual reviews
conducted by EPA regions as well as triennial program reviews, triennial file reviews,
appropriate verifications of state implementation data and state laboratory
oversight and certification programs.
2. Review and approve state primary packages.
5 Learn more about the RLDWA at htt ps://www ,e pa .go v/d wsta nd a rd sregu lat io ns/use -lead -f re e-p i pes-f itt i ngs-
f ixt u res-so Id e r-a nd -f I ux-d r in ki ng-wate r.
6 Learn about EPA's3Tsat: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-
09/documents/toolkit lead schools guide 3ts leadschools.pdf.
7 Read more about OCCT requirements at: https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/optimal-corrosion-control-treatment-evaluation-
te chnical -recommendations.
4
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
3. Provide technical assistance and training8 to states, tribes, and EPA direct
implementation programs.
4. Directly implement SDWA programs for tribal systems.
5. Lead the Area-Wide Optimization Program (AWOP)3 activities.
6. Oversee and support the conduct of sanitary surveys10.
7. Coordinate and train with federal and state emergency response and drinking water
programs to ensure states, tribes, and public water supply systems are prepared for
emergencies, and will continue to meet health-based standards during any disaster.
8. Continue to implement the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule11 by developing policy and
implementation guidelines, providing national training on the rule and the Aircraft
Reporting and Compliance System (ARCS) data system, managing and maintaining
ARCS, and providing technical assistance to air carriers, collaborating with Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Administration
Toxic Substances and Disease Registration (ATSDR) and the Canadian Government.
Expected State, Tribal, Local and Community Activities
1. Provide technical assistance to water systems to address their implementation
challenges, particularly with the Lead and Copper Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule,
Ground Water Rule12 and the Stage 2 Disinfection/Disinfection Bv-Products Rule13.
2. Conduct required number and type of sanitary surveys according to the schedules
set forth in the Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule and in the Ground
Water Rule. Reconcile with primacy agencies and water systems to quickly resolve
significant deficiencies identified during sanitary surveys.
3. Provide timely, accurate, and complete inventory, violations, and enforcement data
to the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
4. Disseminate user-friendly materials developed by EPA and provide training and
outreach to ensure that drinking water systems understand their responsibilities to
comply with the Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR).14
5. Incorporate required EPA standards and established methods for drinking water
samples.
6. Honor requirements for public notification related to delivering safe drinking water
to consumers.
7. Work in partnership with EPA to ensure that violations occurring at schools and
child care centers are addressed quickly.
8. Continue collaborative efforts to assist in the state adaptation on the Compliance
Monitoring Data Portal web application15
8 Read more about EPA'straining on the National Primary Drinking Water Rules at https://www.epa.gov/environm ental -
topics/water-topics.
9 Read more about the AWOP at https://www.epa.gov/dwstandardsregulations/optimization-program-drinking-water-system &
10 Read more about sanitary survey s at http s:// www.epa.gov/envi ronm ental -topi cs/water-topics.
11 Read more on the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule at: https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/aircraft-drinking-water-rule.
12 Read more on the Groundwater Rule (GWR) at https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/ground-water-rule.
13 Read more about the Stage 2 DBP rule at: https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/stage-l-and-stage-2-di sinfectants-and-
di si nfection-bvprodu cts-rul e s.
14 Read more on the Revised Total coliform Rule at https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/revised-total-coliform-rule-and-total-
coliform-rule.
15 Read more about the Compliance Monitoring Data Portal web application at: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-
drinking-water/com plia nee -m oni tori ng-data-portal.
5
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
9. Collaborate with the regions, states and water sector stake holders to host training
that characterize challenges and promote best practices of implementing technical,
managerial and financial activities in the field. These include monthly webinars that
target challenges that public water systems and states face regarding rule
implementation and showcase how some have addressed these challenges.
10. Co-Host with ORD monthly webinar trainings that provide the latest technologies
and implementation strategies to help small systems comply with drinking water
regulations.
11. Participate fully in responding to the drinking water needs survey.
Measures
SDW-Ola: Percent of CWS's that have undergone a sanitary survey within the past
three years (or 5 years as approved by the Primacy Agency).
SDWA-Olb: Number of tribal CWS's that have undergone a sanitary survey within
the past three years (or 5 years as approved by the Primacy Agency).
SDW-15: Small system noncompliance and their capacity to quickly return to
compliance with health-based standards.
SDW-17: Number and percent of schools and childcare centers that meet all health-
based drinking water standards.
SDW-20: Percent of 'person months' (i.e. all persons served by community water
systems times 12 months) during which community water systems in Indian country
provide drinking water that meets all applicable health-based drinking water
standards.
SDW-211: Percent of the population served by community water systems that
receive drinking water that meets all applicable health-based drinking water
standards through approaches including effective treatment and source water
protection.
SDW-SP1.N11: Percent of community water systems that meet all applicable health-
based standards through approaches that include effective treatment and source
water protection.
SDW-SP2: Percent of "person months" (i.e. all persons served by community water
systems times 12 months) during which community water systems provide drinking
water that meets all applicable health-based drinking water standards.
(Tribal Measure) SDW-SP3.N11: Percent of the population in Indian country served
by community water systems that receive drinking water that meets all applicable
health-based drinking water standards.
5. Capacity Development for Drinking Water Systems
Many PWSs16face challenges in reliably providing safe drinking water and meeting the
requirements of SDWA. EPA continues to work on capacity development with states and
tribes, as well as with utility associations, third-party technical assistance providers and
other federal partners, to promote the sustainability practices that are the foundation for
building technical, managerial, and financial capacity and to support the state Capacity
16 Read more on Small Systems.
6
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Development and Operator Certification Programs.17 The process includes the
implementation of system-wide planning practices such as asset management, water
conservation and efficiency, energy efficiency, rate setting and effective pricing practices.18
EPA Activities
1. Continue oversight of state Capacity Development and Operator Certification programs through
review by EPA regions of the annual reports and communication with EPA regional DWSRF programs
regarding requirements to receive full capitalization grants.
2. Share best practices, tools and case studies related to
Ca pa c ity D eve lo p me nt,
OperatorCertification,
Water System Partnerships,
Asset Management,
Workforce Development, and
Other activities that help develop and support the technical, managerial and financial capacity of
public water systems.
3. Provide technical assistance and training to states, tribes, and EPA direct implementation programs.
4. Manage and support the grant, Training and Technical Assistance to Improve Water Quality and
Enable Small Public Water Systems to Provide Safe Drinking Water.
5. Coordinate with other funding agencies (e.g., USDA Rural Development) to build small system
capacity and resiliency.
Expected State, Tribal, Local and Community Activities
1. Utilize tools, approaches, best practices, and innovations to promote sustainable
practices, including asset management19 and energy and water efficiency20 in
drinking water systems.
2. Promotewaterefficiencyandstrategiestoreducewaterloss,particularlyfroma
resource management and economic perspective.
3. Assist non-CWSs. including campgrounds, restaurants, and hospitals, in reliably
providing safe drinking water.21
4. Work with utilities and other partners (e.g., Department of Veterans Affairs) to
support workforce recruitment and retention to develop a well-trained,
knowledgeable workforce to ensure safe drinking water and wastewater
management.
17 Read more on Capacity Development.
18 Read more on water infrastructure sustainabilitv.
15 Read more on Asset Manage m ent at: http s:// www.epa.gov/su stainable-water-i nfra stru ctu re /a sset-m anase m ent-water-and-
wastewater-utilities.
20 Read more on water and energy efficiency at: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-water-infrastructure/water-and-energy-
efficiencv-utilitie s-and-home.
21 Read more about Non-Community Water Svstemsat: https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/information-about-public-water-
sy stems.
7
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
5. Work with stakeholders to identify and promote various forms of voluntary water
system partnerships, including regionalization and shared treatment, that can
provide opportunities for water systems to collaborate on compliance solutions,
operations, and maintenance activities, and share costs with nearby systems,
thereby enabling them to become sustainable and provide safe and affordable
water to their communities.
COORDINATE WITH ENFORCEMENT
EPA Activities
EPA regional offices and OWwill continue to work with OECA to ensure that PWS'swith compliance issues are
addressed through the most effective means, including targeted funding, compliance assistance and
enforcement.
Expected State, Local, and Community Activities
States with direct implementation for PWS's programs will work with their enforcement counterparts and with
EPA to identify instances of actual or expected non-compliance that pose risks to public health and will take
appropriate actions as necessary.
6. Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)/ Perfluorooctane Sulfonate
(PFOS) Health Advisory
In May 2016, EPA established health advisories for PFOA and PFOSto provide drinking
water system operators, and state, tribal and local officials who have the primary
responsibility for overseeing these systems, with information on the health risks of these
chemicals, so they can take the appropriate actions to protect their residents. EPA
established the health advisory levels at 70 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS,
respectively. When both PFOA and PFOS are found in drinking water, the combined
concentrations of PFOA and PFOS should be compared with the 70 parts per trillion health
advisory level.
EPA Activities
1. Support states and public water systems as they determine the appropriate steps to
reduce exposure to PFOA and PFOS in drinking water.
2. Continue to evaluate new data as science on health effects of these chemicals
evolves to determine whether or not a national primary drinking water regulation is
warranted.
State, Tribal, Local and Community Activities
1. Make decisions on a local level to protect residents from PFOA and PFOS exposure
based on these non-regulatory health advisories.
2. Promptly notify the state drinking water safety agency and their consumers with
information about known levels of PFOA and PFOS greater than 70 parts per trillion
in their drinking water, based on sampling results.
22ReadmoreabouthealthadvisoriesforPFOAandPFOSat http s://www.e pa.gov/grou nd-water-and-drinki ng-water/ dri nki ng-
water-health-advi sorie s-pfoa-and-pfo &
8
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
7. Public Water System Supervision Grant Guidance
The Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) program provides grants to states and tribes
with primary enforcement authority (primacy) to implement and enforce the National
Primary Drinking Water Regulations that are currently in compliance remain in compliance;
and that those which are not currently in compliance achieve compliance. PWSS also
ensures that all PWS's prepare to comply with new drinking water regulations, that are
currently in compliance remain in compliance; and that those which are not currently in
compliance achieve compliance. PWSS also ensures that all PWS's prepare to comply with
new drinking water regulations, that are currently in compliance remain in compliance; and
that those which are not currently in compliance achieve compliance. PWSS also ensures
that all PWS's prepare to comply with new drinking water regulations.
EPA Activities
1. Develop state-by-state allotments and the total amount available to each region for
its tribal support, pursuant to the annual appropriation. The PWSS grant allotments
are based on factors such as population, geographic area, and PWS's inventory.
2. Facilitate adherence to the Guidance and Tentative Grant Allotments to Support
Public Water System Supervision (PWSS) Programs on Tribal Lands23, by EPA regions
that receive tribal PWSS funding to support the Tribal Drinking Water Program.
3. Rev iew state a n d tri ba I PWSS grantworkplans,issuegrants,and ove rsee
performance of programmatic commitments.
Expected State, Tribal, Local and Community, as well as EPA Primary Enforcement
Regions Activities
1. Work with PWSs within their jurisdiction to achieve and maintain compliance with
the drinkingwater rules including:
a. Microbial and Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rules including the
Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR), the Ground Water Rule, the Stage 2
Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule, and the Long-term 2
Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
b. Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act implementation;
c. Addressing arsenic and nitrate non-compliance.
2. Ensure that a proportion of each PWSS grant is devoted to making certain that data
are effectively managed and that required data are submitted to EPA. Specifically,
that:
a. Water system compliance determinations are consistent with federal and
state regulations;
b. Corrective actions associated with data file reviews are implemented; and
c. PWSS grantees submit to EPA the required inventory, compliance, and
enforcement data.
3. Ensure timely, accurate and complete submission of primacy program revisions for
the purpose of adopting new or revised federal regulations.
23 Read more at https://www.epa.gov/si te s/produ ction/fil es/2015-09/documents/fv2008-tent-tribal-pwss-prog-memo-
guidance.pdf
23 Read more on SDWIS Prime at https://e-enterprisefortheenvironment.net/our-projects/water-quality-projects/sdwis-prime
9
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
8. Safe Drinking Water Information System
SDWIS24 serves as the primary source of national information on system compliance with all
health-based regulatory requirements of SDWAand is used by primacy agencies to assist in
their management of the PWSS program.
EPA Activities
1. As part of EPA and states' E-Enterprise for the Environment efforts to modernize the
business of environmental protection, continue the development of SDWIS Primacy
Agency (Prime) software to replace the existing SDWIS State software25 and the
SDWIS Fed Operational Data Store.
2. Continue enhancing States' and EPA's abilities to ensure water systems are
providing safe drinking water by developing tools and processes to assist states in
transitioning to SDWIS Prime, which will increase capabilities for states and EPA to
manage the drinking water program and inform the public.
3. Continue to expand utilization of the Compliance Monitoring Data Portal26 to
facilitate the electronic sharing of data between public water systems, laboratories,
primacy agencies and the public.
Expected State, Local and Community Activities
1. Participate in EPA-led development sessions to complete SDWIS Prime, migrate data
from SDWIS State and state-developed data systemsto SDWIS Prime, and
reconfigure state developed applications to interact with SDWIS Prime instead of
with SDWIS State.
2. PartnerwithEPAinidentifying cost-effect ive way s to leve ra ge we b te ch n o logies to
support laboratories, water systems, states and EPA as they manage, report, and
utilize drinking water data and to improve data quality. States can apply for
Exchange Network grants and can utilize PWSS grant funds and Drinking Water SRFs
(DWSRF) for eligible state activities related to SDWIS Prime and the Compliance
Monitoring Data Portal.
States, at their discretion, may reserve up to a total of 25% of any DWSRF capitalization
grant for "set-asides" to fund data management activities related to the DWSRF program
This includes:
Support for the state PWSS program (10%) and;
Local assistance and other state programs set-aside (15%)
9. Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
To ensure the appropriate balance between financing capital projects to improve the
delivery of safe water and funding non-capital set-aside assistance for water systems, the
PWSS program in each state has the lead responsibility for determining the priority for
providing these two forms of assistance to water systems.
24 Read more on SDWIS at https://www3.epa.gov/enviro/facts/sdwis/search.html
2 Read more on SDWIS State at https://www.epa.gov/waterdata/drinking-water-tools
26 Read more on the Compliance Monitoring Data Portal at https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-
water/com pliance-m oni toring-data-portal
10
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
EPA Activities
1. Distribute the State & Tribal DWSRF grant allotments based on the Drinking Water
Needs Survey27. State-bv-state allotments, territorial funds, and the total amount
available to each region for tribes28 are available online.
2. Perform annual on-site DWSRF reviews of state programs as baseline monitoring for
the DWSRF program, including project file reviews and transaction testing.
Expected State, Local and Community Activities
1. EPA and the states should increase the speed with which all SRFfunds move from
EPA through states to projects; ensuringthatthe highest priority projects are ready
to proceed to funding, and that funds are fully utilized within state DWSRF
programs, ensuring the financial integrity of the program through strong auditing,
consistent with overarching federal law and guidance; and enhancing coordination
between the DWSRF and PWSS programs.
2. Apply for their capitalization grant in the first year of availability to facilitate earlier
use of funds for project financing.
3. Report fund utilization for projects (see Measure SDW-04 below) and the number of
projects that have initiated operations (see Measure SDW-05 below).
4. Submit an annual Intended Use Plan (IUP) that details how the state will use DWSRF
program funds, including new capitalization grants, as well as other grant funds,
repayments, and other funding sources. A Project Priority List is a required element
of the IUP and presents all the capital projects awaiting DWSRF assistance in priority
funding order.
5. Use the program's model IUP29 that identifies required elements to prepare the
state grant application.
DWSRF GRANT GUIDANCE
EPA's drinking water program emphasizes several national SRF priorities including:
Increasing the speed with which appropriated funds move to projects;
Ensuring that the highest priority projects are ready to proceed to funding;
Ensuring full fund utilization within state DWSRF programs,
E nsu ri ng t he f ina nc ia I i ntegrity of t he p rogra m t h ro ugh st ro ng a ud it i ng, co nsiste nt w it h
overarching fed era I law and guidance; and
Enhancing coordination between the DWSRF and PWSS programs.
In addition, SDWA requires that priority for funding be given to those projects that:
Address the most serious risk to human health;
Are necessary to ensure compliance with SDWA; and
Assist systems most in need on a per household basis.
6. Include a "Fundable List" showing the specific projects that the state actually
anticipates being ready to proceed to receiving assistance in the year ahead.
7. Submit set-aside work plans that detail how set-aside funds will be used.
27 Read more about the Drinking Water Needs Survey at: https://www.epa.gov/drinki ngwatersrf/what-drinking-water-
infra structu re-need s-su rvev-and-a sse ssm e nt
28 http s://www.epa.gov/dri nkingwater srf
29 Read more on intended use plans at https://www.gpo.gov/fdws/pkg/FR-2000-08-07/html/00-19783.htm.
11
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
8. Submit, biennially, a report that explains how DWSRF funds were actually used
9. Submit annual data on program performance. Financial auditing is required to the
extent laid out in the Single Audit Act.
10. Give adequate consideration to funding preliminary design for projects to be ready
for construction financing.
11. Continue implementation of the SRFSustainability Policy33 to promote water system
technical, managerial, and financial capacity as a critical means to meet
infrastructure needs and further enhance program performance and efficiency and
to ensure compliance. State programs can utilize DWSRF set-asides to promote
asset management, system-wide planning and other sustainable management
practices at PWSs aimed at reducing water loss and better understanding linkages
between water production/distribution and energy use.31
12. Coordinate across drinking water programs, including the PWSS, source water
protection, capacity development, and operator certification, in order to identify
systems in noncompliance with SDWA requirements or challenged to be
sustainable, and then provide loans and/or technical assistance to improve their
capacity to provide safe drinking water.
IB. Encourage the use of set-asides for source water protection activities, where
appropriate. Effective source water protection has the potential to off-set the need
for infrastructure upgrades and additional treatment costs.
14. Participate in the webinar series that discusses how primacy agencies are utilizing
the flexibilities of the DWSRF set-asides to build the technical, managerial and
financial of public water systems.
15. Identify and implement financial incentives that encourage States to assist projects
that improve the resilience and preparedness of safe drinking water infrastructure.
Measures
SDW-4: Fund utilization rate [cumulative dollar amount of loan agreements divided
by cumulative funds available for projects] for the Drinking Water State Revolving
Fund (DWSRF).
SDW-5: Number of Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) projects that have
initiated operations, (cumulative)
SDW-11: Percent of DWSRF projects awarded to small PWS serving <500, 501-3,300,
and 3,301-10,000 consumers
10. Source Water Protection
EPA's source water protection program32 aims to prevent contamination of source waters
and reduce existing levels of contamination, leading to reduced risks to public health, and
potential drinking water treatment cost savings while being mindful of all parties' rights in
the process. Source water quality and long-term availability are integral to drinking water
protection.
30 Read more on the SRF Sustainability Policy at https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-water-infrastructure
31 Read more on set-aside use to promote capacity development at http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw/dwsrf/pdfs/techas.pdf.
http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw/dw srf/pdfs/capdev. pdf. http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw/dwsrf/pdfs/opcert.pdf.
32 Read more on EPA's source water protection program at: https://www.epa.gov/sourcewaterprotection.
12
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
EPA Activities
1. TakecollaborativeactionsthatintegrateCWAand SDWAsourcewaterprotection
activities to advance public health and environmental protection objectives at the
state, interstate and local levels.
2. Work with states and other stakeholders to promote actions outlined in the state-
EPA CWA and SDWA toolkit, Opportunities to Protect Drinking Water Sources and
Advance Watershed Goals through the CWA.
3. Use GIS tools, such as EPA's Drinking Water Mapping Application for Protecting
Source Waters (DWMAPS), to identify threats to drinking water sources and
prioritize protective actions.
4. Work with partners in the Source Water Collaborative 34 to implement its Call to
Action -A Recommitment to Assessing and Protecting Sources of Drinking Water.
See activities listed to help control nonpoint source (NPS) pollution which also protect
source water.
Expected State, Tribal, Local and Community Activities
1. Continue implementation of strategies to help local communities use the
information obtained from previously completed source water assessments for all
PWSs.
2. Provide resources to help fund local protection activities, such as wellhead
protection programs for ground water and watershed management programs for
surface water.
3. Work with businesses, industry and citizens to take actions to protect drinking water
sources, including:
a. Reducing use of harmful contaminants;
b. Ensuring wastes do not discharge into ground water or surface water;
c. Reducing use of pesticides around the home; and
d. Ensuringthat septic systems are property maintained.
Measures
SP-4a: Percent of community water systems where risk to public health is minimized
through source water protection.
SP-4b: Percent of population served by community water systems where risk to
public health is minimized through source water protection.
11. Underground Injection Control (Including UIC Grant
Guidance)
The UIC Program56 protects underground sources of drinking water (USDWs). EPA works
with states and tribes, and directly implements the program in non-primacy states to
regulate and monitorthe injection of fluids, both hazardous and non-hazardous, into wells,
33 Read the full document at: http://www.swpc.org/sites/default/files/CWA-SDWA 11 10.pdf.
34 Read more on the Source Water Collaborative at htt ps: //www. e pa .go v/so u rce wate rp rot ect io n/so u rce-wate r-
collaborative.
K Read more on the UIC Program at: https://www.epa.gov/uic/underground-iniection-control-grants
13
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
to prevent contamination. Each year, grant funds are distributed by the national UIC
Program to help UIC programs enforce the minimum federal UIC requirements.
EPA Activities
1. Work toward regional consistency in EPA review of state UIC primacy programs.
2. Work towards a consistent and predictable process for the review of aquifer
exemption requests under SDWA.
3. Ensure that hydraulic fracturing using diesel fuels are authorized under the
applicable UIC program.
4. In cooperation with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) under the Multi-Year Research Planforthe Multiagency Collaboration
on Unconventional Oil and Gas Research, develop injection-induced seismicity
training modules for UIC regulators.
5. Complete guidance for implementing the UIC Class VI Rule for Geologic
Sequestration.
6. Disperse the grant funds amongst eligible recipients. The grant allotments are
determined by the UIC Grant Allocation Model and follow the criteria identified in
SDWA Section 1443 which requires UIC allocations to be based on such factors as
"population, geographic area, extent of underground injection practices, and other
re levant factors."
7. Continue to update the Aquifer Exemption data map.
8. Provide technical assistance to the application of grant resources.
Expected State, Tribal, Local and Community Activities
1. States and tribes with primacy should continue to protect public health by enforcing
minimum requirements to ensure that:
a. All injection is authorized under either general rules or specific permits;
b. Injection well owners and operators do not site, construct, operate,
maintain, convert, plug, abandon, or conduct any other injection activity
that endangers USDW;
c. Injected fluids stay within the well and the intended injection zone; and
d. No injection occurs which allows for the introduction of any contaminant
into an USDW if the presence of that contaminant may cause a violation of
any primary drinking water standard or otherwise adversely affect public
health.
2. Ensure that grant resources focus on preserving and building up the gains of the
previous years' efforts.
3. Assist owners and operators of UIC facilities in meeting the above objectives and
require grantees to adopt a variety of approaches and to coordinate efforts with
other groundwater protection programs.
4. Complete timely submission of primacy program revisions for the purpose of
adopting new or revised federal regulations;
5. Maintain program capacity to implement UIC program requirements for all classes
of wells;
6. Submit well-specific data for well classes l-Vtothe UIC National Database. (DTI)
7. For state programs seeking primacy for the Class VI well program, develop complete
primacy applications for the Class VI well program. EPA will continue to work with
14
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
permit applicants where EPA has primacy. EPA will work to transition any issued
Class VI permits over to the state once primacy has been granted.
8. Ensure that Class I, II and III (salt solution) wells that lose mechanical integrity are
returned to compliance; and
9. Address high priority Class V wells.
Measures
SDW-7: Percent of Classes I, II and Class III salt solution mining we lis that have lost
mechanical integrity and are returned to compliance within 180 days thereby
reducing the potential to endanger underground sources of drinking water.
SDW-8: Number of Class V motor vehicle waste disposal wells (MVWDW) and Large
Capacity Cesspools (LCC) that are closed or permitted (cumulative).
15
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
SAFE SWIMMING
1. Human Health Recreational Criteria and/or Swimming Advisories
for Cyanotoxins, Microcystins and Cylindrospermopsin
The EPA plans to issue national recommended recreational ambient water quality criteria
and/or swimming advisories for cyanotoxins, microcystins, and cylindrospermopsin.
Cyanotoxins are of special concern because of their potential to produce adverse impacts on
drinking and recreational waters. These national recreational water quality criteria36 and/or
swimming advisories are the recommended concentrations of microcystins and
cylindrospermopsin in recreational waters that protect human health while swimming or
participating in other activities on the water.
EPA Activities
1. Publish final version of recreational water quality criteria document and/or
swimming advisories.
2. Collaborate in the interagency working group on the Harmful Algal Bloom and
Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA 1998).
State, Tribal, Local and Community Activities
1. States and tribes can plan to adopt these criteria once final or scientifically
defensible alternatives into their water quality standards (WQS) and submit them to
EPA for approval.
2. States and tribes have the option of usingthe values in their swimming advisories
without needing to adopt them as WQS or receive EPA approval for their use.
2. Overflows from Combined Sewer Systems (CSSs) and Sanitary
Sewer Systems (SSSs)
The EPA, with state and tribal partners, will continue efforts to reduce people's risk of illness
from exposure to microbial pathogens caused by overflows from CSS's and SSS's when
swimming in recreational waters37.
36 Read more about recreational water quality criteria at: https://www.epa.gov/wqc/microbial-pathogenrecreational-water-
qualitv-criteria.
37 Read more at https://www.epa.gov/beaches
16
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
EPA Activities
1. Continue to work with state programs to fully implement the 1994 Combined Sewer
Overflow (CSO) Control Policy and reduce pollution from CSOs that are not in
compliance with the CWAand CSO Policy.
2. Continuetoworkwithstatestoresolvelong-standingissuesassociatedwith
sanitary sewer overflows and bypasses at treatment plants.
3. Continue working with Great Lakes States and other stakeholders to finalize CSO
public notification requirements for the Great Lakes basin as authorized by Section
425 of the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act.38
State, Tribal, Local and Community Activities
1. Reduce densities of pathogen indicators in recreational waters through the NPDES
permit program, CSO long-term control plans, and other CWA authorities. [See
Section 106 Program Grant Guidance for more.]
2. Adopt updated recreational criteria, monitor beaches, notify the public of unsafe
conditions.
Measures
SS-1: Number and national percent, using a constant denominator, of Combined
Sewer Overflow (CSO) permits with a schedule incorporated into an appropriate
enforceable mechanism, including a permit or enforcement order, with specific
dates and milestones, including a completion date consistent with Agency guidance,
which requires:
o Implementation of a Long Term Control Plan (LTCP) which will result in
compliance with the technology and water quality-based requirements of
the Clean Water Act; or
o Implementation of any other acceptable CSO control measures consistent
with the 1994 CSO Control Policy; or
o Completion of separation after the baseline date. (Cumulative) (SMW)
38 For more information on the Sec. 425 of the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act visit:
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-12/documents/section 425 508.pdf.
17
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
WATER QUALITY
The EPA will continue to work with states, tribes, and others to implement programs to
protect and restore water quality with four key goals in mind:
Effectivelyimplementand oversee corewaterprograms
Use an integrated watershed approach to achieve water quality standards where
practicable39
Support states and tribes in water restoration goals and strategies
Support states and tribes in water protection goals and strategies
1. Clean Water SRF (CWSRF) Guidance
State, tribal and local water managers should focus on financing water infrastructure
improvements through expanded use of the several types of assistance available to the
CWSRF programs and through increased use of the program's broadened eligibilities under
the Water Resource Reform and Development Act. Nationally, EPA will continue to
strengthen oversight of the program through effective implementation of its federal
requirements.
EPA Activities
1. The responsibilities of the Regions under the CWSRF program include:
a. Review of their states' intended use plans and the applications for capitalization
grants and the award of all funds in the first year of funds availability;
b. An n ua I rev iew of state CWS RF p rogra ms, i n cl ud i n g t he rev iew of state a n n ua I
reports, transaction testing, and the preparation of program evaluation reports in a
timely manner;
c. Periodic review of the National Information Management System (NIMS) and Clean
Water Benefits Reporting (CBR) System data to assess state programs and to
identify and act upon any issues that affect a state's financial or environmental
performance, including providing appropriate program support and guidance; and
d. Assistance with implementation of the Performance and Innovation in the SRF
Creating Environmental Success (PISCES) awards program.
39 For more information on the Watershed Approach, visit: http s://www.epa.gov/nps/watershed-approach
18
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
2. The responsibilities of Headquarters under the CWSRF program include:
~. Oversight of regional and state implementation of the program, including
conducting regional management assistance reviews and training sessions,
participating in annual reviews of state programs, and the development of guidance,
b. Monitoring and analytical activities, including the development and analysis of
financial and environmental trends, analyses of issues and options, and the
analysis of key performance metrics and indicators.
c. Maximizing program results by working with State CWSRFs to grow the assistance
provided through effective and targeted outreach and expanding state use of
program eligibilities. To include the development of program materials such as the
annual report, newsletters, fact sheets, activity reports and webinars.
d. Implementingthe PISCES awards program.
e. Revising the Davis Bacon and the Cross Cutter Handbooks and update the SRF Funds
Management Handbook.
f. Respondingto OIG audits.
g. Respondingto any major issues and analytical requests.
Expected State, Local, and Community Activities
1. Develop intended use plans and applications for their capitalization grants.
2. Rate and rank eligible projects, prepare intended use plans, and apply for their
capitalization grants in the first year of funds availability.
3. Be timely and expeditious in their commitment of available funds (see "Measures"
below).
4. Enter into assistance agreements with recipients, conduct inspections of projects
and ensure compliance with program requirements.
5. Prepare and submit their annual reports, including sources and uses of funds.
~. Input financial and project data to the NIMs and CBR data bases.
7. Submit annual financial audits of their programs.
Measures
WQ-17: Cumulative dollar amount of executed loan agreements relative to the
cumulative dollar amount of funds available for loans. It is one indicator of how
quickly funds are made available to finance CWSRF eligible projects.
2. Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA)
Program
In 2017 EPA will approve its first loan guarantees under the WIFIA program. This program
will accelerate investment in our nation's water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-
cost supplemental loans for regionally and nationally significant projects. WIFIA credit
assistance is available to state infrastructure financing authorities for a group of projects
and individual project sponsors, which may include: a corporation; a partnership; a joint
venture; a trust; or a federal, state, local, or tribal government (or consortium of tribal
governments). In the case of projects carried out by private entities, such projects are to be
publicly sponsored. Some of the projects that WIFIA enables EPA to provide assistance for
include:
drinking water treatment and distribution projects
19
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
wastewater conveyance and treatment projects
enhanced energy efficiency projects at drinking water and wastewater facilities
desalination, aquifer recharge, alternative water supply, and water recycling
projects
d ro ught p reve nt io n, re d uctio n, o r m it igat io n p roj ects
WIFIA works separately from, but may coordinate with, the State Revolving Fund (SRF)
programs to provide subsidized financing for large dollar-value projects. By combining the
benefits of the WIFIA and SRF programs, more communities can benefit from innovative
loans and financing.
EPA Activities
1. Conduct detailed financial and engineering reviews of the projects selected to
receive funding in response to the program's first Notice of Funding Availability
(NOFA) in January 2017.
2. Negotiate the terms and conditions for the projects and anticipates approval and
execution of the loan agreements by the Administrator. EPA also anticipates
3. Issue second and third NOFAs in FY 2018-2019.
4. Continue to coordinate, as required by statute and regulations, with the appropriate
SRF programs when it receives SRF-eligible WIFIA letters of interest and
applications.
5. The WIFIA Program will coordinate with the appropriate EPA Regions when planning
communication about selected projects.
3. Section 106 Grant Guidance to States, Interstate Agencies, and
Tribes: General Information
This National Water Program Guidance for FY 2018 and FY 2019 includes guidance for state,
interstate and eligible tribes that receive Section 106 grants for Water Pollution Control
Programs.
Together, this section, the Expected State, Tribal, Local, and Community Activities sections
for Water Quality Standards, the Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment section, the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System section, and Appendix D make up the
Section 106 Grant Guidance.
This grant guidance covers only the core water pollution control activities; water quality
standards, water quality monitoring, impaired waters listing and total maximum daily loads
development, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting and enforcement
and compliance. EPA continues to provide separate guidance for the following water
pollution control activities:
Tribal water pollution control programs.40
40 Tribes with EPA-approved WQS should also see the Section 106 guidance on WQS for states, interstate agencies, and
authorized tribes below. Read more on Section 106 tribal water pollution control programs at: http s:// www.epa.gov/water-
pollu ti on-control-secti on-106-grants/ li nal -gu i dance-award s-grants-indian -t ribe s-u nde r-se ction.
20
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
State and Interstate use of Monitoring Initiative funds.41
Water pollution enforcement activities.42
4. Nutrient Reduction Partnership
Partnerships and collaboration play a vital role in reducing nutrient pollution threats to
water quality and public health addressing both nonpoint and point sources.43
While nutrient pollution affects waters in virtually all parts of the country, a particularly
large-scale challenge is the one posted by the massive hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico,
where oxygen levels are too low to support aquatic life. The EPA is co-chair of the Gulf of
Mexico Hypoxia Task Force44 (HTF), working collaboratively and in partnership with 12
Mississippi River basin states, other federal agencies and the National Tribal Water Council
to support states as they implement state-driven solutions45 to this shared environmental
problem.
EPA Activities
1. Continue to collaborate and partner with states and other federal agencies and
stakeholders to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loadings to our nation's waters.
2. Continue to support states, territories and tribes through grants and technical
assistance programs.
3. Provide technical assistance through EPA's Nutrient Scientific Technical Exchange
Partnership and Support Program (N-STEPS)46forthe development of numeric
criteria for nutrient pollution for nitrogen and phosphorus, including development
of numeric translators that can be used in the near term to implement state
narrative nutrient criteria.
4. Provide technical support to states, focused on priority actions to reduce threats to
public health from nitrates in sources of drinking water and from nitrogen and
phosphorus pollution contributing to HABs.
5. Work with states to include high-priority actions that each state intends to take to
reduce nutrient pollution in Performance Partnership Agreements and Grants and/or
Section 106 workplans and then work together to assess progress and continue to
hold ourselves accountable for achieving results.
6. Continue to co-chair and support the HTF, working collaboratively with partners,
stakeholders, and supporting states to reduce excess nutrient loads to the Mississippi
River and Gulf of Mexico towards the interim goal of a 20% reduction in nitrogen and
phosphorus loading by 2025 and a 45% reduction in loadings by 2035.
7. Coordinate with the working group drafting the implementation procedures for the
Cyanotoxin Ambient Water Quality Criteria and/or Swimming Advisories for
41 Read more on state and interstate use of Monitoring Initiative funds at: https://www.epa.sov/water-pollution-control-
section-106-arants
42 Read more on water pollution enforcement activities in OEC'sNPM guidance at:
https://www.epa.gov/planandbudset/national-prosram-manager-guidances
43 For more information on nutrient pollution, visit: https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution.
44 For more information on the Hypoxia Task Force, visit: https://www.epa.gov/m s-htf.
45 For more information on goals for states in HTF's 2008 Action Plan, vi sit: https://www.epa.gov/m s-htf/hvpoxia-task-force-
2008-action-pl an-and-rel ate d-docu ments.
46 For more information on N-STEPS, visit: https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policv-data/n-steps.
21
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Recreational Waters and address thermal and nutrient impacts on HAB formation
and their impact on designated uses.
Expected State, Tribal, Local, and Community Activities
Work with EPA to include high priority nutrient reduction actions in Performance
Partnership Agreements/Grants and/or Section 106 workplans. State priority actions may
include preparing some of the following:
1. Monitoring requirements for phosphorus or nitrogen in NPDES permits;
2. Water Quality-Based Effluent Limitations (WQBELs) for phosphorus and/or nitrogen
in NPDES permits;
3. Nutrient TMDLs or TMDL alternatives;
4. Nutrient Best Management Practices (BMPs);
5. Enhanced nutrient provisions in MS4 and other state or federal stormwater permits;
6. Development of nutrient watershed management plans;
7. Numeric criteria for nitrogen and phosphorus to protect all designated uses
(drinking source water, recreational and aquatic life);
8. Translation of narrative nutrient criteria for reasonable potential determinations
and setting WQBELS when there are no applicable numeric nutrient criteria;
9. Nine element NPS management plans for nutrients.
In addition states may:
1. Develop and/or increase implementation of assessment methods for nutrients in CWA
Section 303(d) list actions;
2. Build state and tribal capacity to monitor nutrients, response variable, and biological
community data, e.g., total nitrogen, total phosphorus, sestonic and benthic
chlorophyll-a, macro in vertebrate and algal/diatom community, cyanotoxins, at
detection levels and macro in vertebrate subsamplingto support both CWA Section
BOB(d) assessment and Section 304(c) criteria development; and
3. Report annually on progress addressing high priority actions listed in Performance
Partnership Agreements/Grants and/or Section 106 workplans, including progress in
implementing high priority actions reference in state Nutrient Reduction Strategies.
Measures
New Indicator Measure: Number of States that included specific high priority nutrient
reduction actions in their PPA/PPG and/or Section 106 grant workplans for FY 2018.
5. Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment
States, interstate agencies and eligible tribes will continue to conduct monitoring and
assessment actions to support sound decision making across CWA programs. The EPA will
continue to support efforts to achieve greater integration of federal, regional, state, tribal,
and local level monitoring efforts to connect monitoring and assessment activities across
geographic scales, in a cost-efficient and effective manner, so that scientifically defensible
monitoring data is available to address issues and problems at all scales.
22
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
EPA Activities
1. Collaborate with states and tribes to implement National Aquatic Resource Surveys
to assess the quality of the nation's coastal waters, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, streams,
and wetlands using a statistical survey design.47
a. Complete the field sampling for the National Rivers and Streams Survey
2018/19.
b. Complete analysis and reporting results from National Coastal Condition
Assessment (NCCA) 2015 in FY 2018 and National Wetland Condition
Assessment (NWCA) 2016 in FY 2019.
2. Support the Water Quality Framework (WQF) to better integrate the EPA's data and
information systems to more effectively support water quality decision makers and
better inform the public.48
a. The EPA will support states, tribes and other organizations using Water
Quality Exchange (WQX) and WQX Web to submit data to the Storage and
Retrieval (STORED Data Warehouse49 and Water Quality Porta I50 through
technical assistance and Exchange Network grants.
b. The EPA will support state transition to and implementation of the new
Assessment and Total Maximum Daily Load Tracking and Implementation
System (ATTAINS51) data flow for submission of 2018 Integrated Reporting
under CWA Sections 303(d) and 305(b) through technical assistance and
Exchange Network Grants.
3. Collaborate with states and tribes, and others as appropriate to develop and implement a monitoring plan
for waters impacted by the Gold King Mine release.
Expected State, Tribal, Local, and Community Activities (Section 106 Grant
Guidance)
1. States will maintain monitoring programs with the appropriate devices, methods,
systems, and procedures necessary to monitor and to compile and analyze data on
the quality of navigable waters in the state, and provision for annually updating the
data and including it in the Section 305(b) report.52
2. States, territories, and interstate commissions should continue to use a combination
of Section 106 monitoring funds, base 106 funds, and other resources available to
implement and enhance their monitoring activities, and meet the objectives of the
Elements Guidance.
3. States will transmit their water quality data to EPA using the WQX framework to
satisfy the general obligation to report water quality data annually.
47 For more information on NARS visit: https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-survev&
48 Read more on WQF: https://www.epa.gov/waterdata/water-aualitv-framework.
49 To access the Storage and Retrieval Data Warehouse, vi sit: https://www.epa.gov/waterdata/storage-and-retrieval-and-
water-au alitv-exchange.
50 To access the Water Quality Portal, visit: https://www. wateraualitvdata.u s/.
51 To learn more or to access the ATTAINS system, visit: https://www.epa.gov/waterdata/asse ssment-and-total-maximum-
dailv-load-tracking-and-implementation-sy stem -attains.
52 EPA issued the 2003, "Elements of a State Water Monitoring and Assessment Program" (Elements Guidance) as a
recommended set of basic components of a state water monitoring program to aid in improving monitoring and assessment
program &
23
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
4. States will submit their 2018 Integrated Report using the new ATTAINS system as
the system of record for BOB(d) lists of impaired waters needing TMDLs to achieve
water quality standards.
Measures
WQ-SP10.N11: Waterbodies now attaining water quality standards.
WQ-SP11: The causes of waterbody impairments being remediated.
WQ-SP12.N11: Improvement of waterbody conditions using the watershed
approach.
WQ-SPlBa.Nll: The condition of the nation's waters.
(Tribal Measure) WQ-SP14a.Nll: Improvements in water quality in Indian country.
(Tribal Measure) WQ-SP14b.Nll: The protection and maintenance of water quality
at identified monitoring stations on tribal lands.
(Tribal Measure) WQ-6a: Tribes that receive Section 106 funding that developed
and begun implementing monitoring strategies.
WQ-29: State waterqualitycond it ionasdemon strated by state-scale statistical
surveys.
In Fiscal Year 2019, EPA, in collaboration with stakeholders, is poised to roll out a new
performance measure, "Progress on Meeting Water Quality Standards in Waters
Targeted for Local Action" to replace the WQ-SP10.N11 and WQ-SP11 performance
measures, and will suspend reporting on the WQ-SP12.N11 performance measure until
methods for measuring or communicating incremental water quality improvements are
developed. The new performance measure will document progress using the Integrated
Report data that states submit to EPA under Clean Water Act Sections 303(d) and 305(b)
in ATTAINS as the data source to automate the calculation of this measure and to make
these data available to the public in the modernized ATTAINS database. Key aspects
include: track all water quality attainment reasons, use catchment area and percentage
to report, and adopt a new baseline to track waters.
6. TMDLs and Other Plans to Restore and Protect Water Quality
Building on the experience pined over the past two decades in assessing and reporting on
water quality and in developing tens of thousands of TMDLs, the EPA and states are
implementing a new 303(d) Program Vision53 that encourages states to identify priority
waters and to develop tailored strategies to carry out their CWA 303(d) program
responsibilities in the context of their water quality goals. With this new vision, the EPA and
states will continue to work with other partners and stakeholders to develop and implement
activities and watershed plans to restore identified waters. In 2016, the EPA finalized a rule
establishing procedures for tribes to be authorized to implement 303(d) program
responsibilities in a manner similar to states.
53 Read more at https://www.epa.gov/tmdl/impaired-waters-and-tmdls-new-vision-cwa-303d-program-updated-framework-
im pie m enting-cwa-303d
24
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
EPA Activities
1. Work with states and authorized tribes to identify priority waters and to develop
tailored strategies to implement their CWA 303(d) program responsibilities in the
context of their waterqualitygoals;54
2. Support states and authorized tribes in their efforts to identify impaired waters
across the United States and to develop and implement TMDLs and alternative
restoration approaches to restore those waters, and protection approaches for
healthy waters, through tool development and technical assistance; and
3. Continue partnerships with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, United States Forest
Service and others that are uniquely positioned to improve water quality thro ugh
development and implementation of TMDLs and alternative restoration and
protection approaches.
Expected State, Tribal, Local, and Community Activities
1. The EPA will work with states and authorized tribes to ensure timely submittal of
Integrated Reports and EPA review and approval or disapproval of CWA 303(d) lists.
(Also see the water quality monitoring and assessment section about the Water
Quality Framework).
2. States and authorized tribes will develop TMDLs and alternative restoration
approaches where appropriate to restore water quality in impaired waters, and
protection plans for healthy waters. Where water pollution grants are used to
support TMDL development, the EPA encourages states to consider factors needed
for effective TMDL implementation.
3. The EPA will work with tribes interested in obtaining Treatment of Indian Tribes in a
Similar Manner as States (TAS) to successfully implement the 303(d) Program.
Measures
WQ-27: Percent of areas associated with state-identified long-term priority waters
that are addressed by an EPA approved TMDL or accepted plan or approach
designed to achieve or maintain water quality standards.
WQ-28 :Percentofareasassociatedwithimpairedwatersandstate-identified
healthy waters that are addressed by an EPA approved TMDL or accepted plan or
approach designed to achieve or maintain water quality standards, or progress on
such a plan or approach.
7. Protecting Healthy and High Quality Waters55
Historically CWA programs have focused on restoring impaired waters; the healthy
watersheds program helps put focus on maintaining and protecting healthy waters. Current
activities in support of state and Tribal partners involve assessing watershed health and
vulnerability, analyzing effective protection policies and approaches, and promoting
protection in high quality watersheds.
54 Read more about CWA 303(d) at https://www.epa.gov/regulatorv-information-topic/reguIatorv-information-topic-
water#impaired
55 For more information, visit: https://www.epa.gov/hwp.
25
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
EPA Activities
1. Support states and tribes in their efforts to identify, protect and maintain healthy
watersheds across the United States, through tool development and technical
assistance;
2. IntegrateprotectionofhealthywatershedsintoEPA C WA p ro gra m s;
3. Increase awareness of the value of protecting healthy watersheds and improve
understanding of the range of management actions needed to avoid adverse
impacts.
State and Tribal Activities
1. Interested states and tribes will identify and assess their healthy unimpaired waters
and enact approaches and actions to protect them.
8. Gulf of Mexico Restoration
On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) mobile drilling unit exploded, caught fire,
and eventually sank in the Gulf of Mexico, resulting in a massive release of oil and other
substances from BP's Macondo well. Approximately 3.19 million barrels (134 million
gallons) of oil were released into the ocean (U.S. v. BP et a I. 2015), by far the largest
offshore oil spill in the history of the United States.
EPA Activities
The EPA and the other co-Trustees (NOAA, DOI, USDA and the 5 Gulf states) comprise the
Deepwater Horizon Trustee Council that studied the effects of the oil spill and continues to
restore the Gulf of Mexico. The Trustees reached a settlement with BP in April 2016 to
resolve BP's liability for natural resource injuries from the spill. Under this settlement, BP
will pay up to $8.8 billion to restore natural resources injured by the spill.
1. Provide programmatic and technical support for Trustee Implementation Groups
(TIGs) and participates with federal and state partners in long-term restoration
planning and implementation activities in the Gulf of Mexico including: restoring
water quality; reducing nutrient loadings; and restoring wetlands, coastal and
nearshore habitats.
9. Managing Nonpoint Source Pollution
Nonpoint Source (NPS) pollution is responsible for a variety of water quality problems
nationwide; of waterbodiesthat have been assessed and a source of impairment identified,
more than 80% are polluted by nonpoint sources. While EPA has no direct regulatory
authority over the discharge of non-point sources, the agency does work with our state,
Tribal and local partners to minimize their impact. (See also this guidance's section on the
Nutrient Pollution Partnership).
56 Read more about TIG sat http ://w ww.gu If soil Ire storation. noaa.gov/ co-tru stee s
57 https://www.epa.gov/nps
26
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
EPA Activities
1. Provide program oversight and assistance to the EPA regions and states, territories
and tribes to ensure sound financial management and compliance with grant
policies;
2. Where possible, leverage resources and coordinate programs including those for
source water protection;
3. Support water quality monitoring to track progress in restoring waters identified by
states on Section 303(d) impaired waters lists.
Expected State, Tribal, Local, and Community Activities
1. State, Tribal and territorial programs should comply with grant policies for existing
grants.
2. States should enter project information in the Grants Reporting and Tracking
System (GRTS), used to track the federal investment and environmental results.
10. Urban Waters Program
The Urban Waters Federal Partnership has 19 designated community locations that
reconnect urban communities with their waterways by improving coordination among
federal agencies and collaborating with community-led revitalization efforts to improve our
nation's water systems and promote their economic, environmental and social benefits.
EPA Activities
1. Support local Urban Water Federal Partnerships at locations throughout the
country59. The partnership will continue to align and leverage federal resources and
other partners to meet local needs more effectively and to advance shared multi-
agency priorities.
2. Work with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to encourage broad
participation among the Urban Waters Federal Partnership members and private
partners in the Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant program;
3. Implement the Urban Waters Federal Partnership affiliate process for interested
urban locations who want to become part of the Partnership structure;
a. Provide tools and guidance designed to help local partnerships be successful
and transfer lessons learned such as technical expertise and funding and
technical resources available;
b. Support webinars led by Network members to discuss questions and learn
about resources.
c. Provide one-on-one support to UWLN members working to resolve
organizational or project challenges.
11. Technology and Innovation for Water Infrastructure and
Clean and Safer Water
A major transformation is underway throughout the water sector being driven by new
technology and innovation. Early adopters are transforming wastewater treatment plants
58 http s://ofm pu b. epa.gov/apex/grts/f?p=109:5000
59 http s://www.epa.gov/urbanwaterspartner s/ 19-de sig na te d-u rba n-water s-locati ons
27
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
into resource recovery facilities that generate energy, recover nutrients and other
byproducts, and produce clean water for reuse. New sensor technologies are being
developed to better identify leaks and to operate our water and wastewater systems. The
National Water Program has leveraged its unique position in the water sector by providing
expertise, financing, support and visibility to use new technology and innovation to improve
the U.S. water infrastructure, create jobs and economic growth, and achieve clearer and
safer water. We will continue to engage and to partner with states and the water sector to
support development and deployment of water technology and innovation.
EPA Activities
1. Work with partners to understand the spectrum of drivers and barriers to new
technology and innovation in the water sector
2. Use EPA's tools, programs, financing efforts, and regulations to stimulate and
support innovation and new technology
3. Showcase examples of new technology and innovation and the corresponding value
proposition
4. Support regional efforts to embrace and support projects that advance economic
and environmental goals through advances in technology and innovation
5. Support the development of third party independent evaluation of water
technologies that provides performance information
12. Water Quality Standards Program
EPA will continue to work with state and tribal partners to ensure that each U.S. waterbody
has a clear, comprehensive suite of standards63 consistent with the Clean Water Act.
Standards serve the dual purposes of establishing the water quality goals for a specific water
body and serve as the regulatory basis for establishing any needed water-quality-based
treatment controls. EPA's detailed priorities for this program are on the EPA's website.61
EPA Activities
1. Continue to develop new and updated national recommended water quality
criteria pursuant to Clean Water Act section 304(a);
2. Continue to work with states and authorized tribes to provide technical assistance
to facilitate their adoption of new and updated water quality criteria;
3. Work with tribes to facilitate increased tribal participation in the water quality
standards program, and continue to develop too Isto help tribes simplify their
work. Consult with tribes to assist in EPA's oversight of water quality standards for
waters where tribal treaty rights64 apply;
4. Continue to identify opportunities to improve consultation approaches under
Endangered Species Act section 7 with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
60 For more information on the Water Quality Standards Program, visit: https://www.epa.gov/standards-water-bodv-health.
61 Read EPA's detailed priorities for the Water Quality Standards Program at http s://w ww. epa.gov/wq s-tech/priori ti e s-water-
qualitv-criteria-and-standards-programs-lv-2017-2018.
62 To learn more about EPA's water quality criteria, visit: https://www.epa.gov/wqc.
63 http s:// epa.gov/was-tech/water-qu ali tv-standard s-tool s-tri be s
64 http s://w ww. epa.gov/tribal/tri bal-tre atv-rights
28
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
National Marine Fisheries Service ("the Services") to adequately consider the
protection of listed species in water quality standards approval actions;
6. Continue to update guidance and training materials to reflect EPA's 2015 revisions
to the Water Quality Standards Regulation (40 CFR part 131); and
7. Finalize other scientific and technical guidance, technical reports and
implementation tools. EPA plans to revise and update the WQS Handbook to reflect
the lates versions to part 40 CFR 131 regulations and updated policies.
State and Tribal Activities (Section 106 Program Grant Guidance)
1. Enhance the quality and timeliness of the triennial standards reviews required by
the Act. To facilitate timely EPA review of standards submissions, states and
authorized tribes should coordinate and communicate their triennial review
priorities and schedules with EPA early and throughout the triennial process."
2. Review the latest scientific information, including EPA's recent recommendations for certain
pollutants affecting human health, for protecting recreational uses and for ammonia, cadmium,
selenium and copper affecting freshwater aquatic life and adopt new or revised criteria where
appropriate.
3. Continue to develop and adopt numeric nutrient criteria for nitrogen and phosphorus
to protect human health and aquatic ecosystems from the effects of nutrient
pollution;
4. Take actions needed to comply with the CWA and the 2015 revisions to the Water
Quality Standards Regulation. These include:
a. Where a triennial review does not result in adoption of new or revised
water quality criteria for which EPA has published new or updated CWA
Section 304(a) criteria recommendations, a state or tribe must explain this
decision when reportingthe results of the triennial review to EPA.
b. Where necessary, update implementation methods for the state or tribe's
antidegradation policy and make them available to the public.
c. Follow requirements when removing or revising designated uses, when
issuing water quality standards variances, or when authorizing issuance of
compliance schedules.
d. Conducting one or more public hearings consistent with 40 CFR 25.5 when
conducting a triennial review or adopting any new or revised water quality
standards.
5. Engage early with EPA and the Services when developing new and revised water
quality standards to ensure consideration of endangered and threatened species
when developing water quality standards, per EPA's recommendation.
Measures
WQ-Ola: Number of numeric water quality standards for total nitrogen and total
phosphorus that states or territories have adopted to date for all lakes/reservoirs,
rivers/streams, and estuaries. (Total possible is 280.)
WQ-Old: Number of numeric water quality standards for total nitrogen and total
phosphorus that states or territories plan to adopt with in 3 years for all
65 Visit EPA's nutrient criteria webpage for more information: https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policv-data/state-progress-
to ward-de vel opi ng-nu m eric-nu tri ent-water-qu alitv-cri teria.
29
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
lakes/reservoirs, rivers/streams, and estuaries, based on annual state and territorial
milestones.
(Tribal Measure) WQ-02: Number of tribes for which EPA has EPA-approved water
quality standards to date.
WQ-OBa: Number of states and territories that have updated their water quality
criteria within the preceding three-year period to reflect new scientific information.
(Tribal Measure) WQ-OBb: Number of authorized tribes who have updated their
water quality criteria within the preceding three-year period to reflect new scientific
information.
WQ-04a: (Indicator measure) percent of new or revised water quality standards
adopted by states and territories approved by EPA this year.
13. Recommended Numeric Nutrient Criteria for Lakes and
Reservoirs of the Continental United States
Toxins from harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasingly contaminating surface waters. EPA
plans to propose new recommended criteria for total nitrogen and total phosphorus for
lakes and reservoirs of the continental United States to protect three designated uses:
aquatic life; recreation; and drinking source water.
EPA Activities
1. Revisiting 2000-2001 nutrient criteria for lakes and evaluating the use of stressor-
response analyses with recent data from EPA's National Lakes Assessment to
develop recommended criteria that will be protective of aquatic life, recreation, and
drinking water designated uses.
2. Publish a draft in FY 2018 and subsequently finalize within a year.
B. Provide methods in the supporting technical document that describe how locally
collected data can be used in conjunction with these national models to refine
criteria for specific lakes and reservoirs.
State, Tribal, Local and Community Activities
1. States and Tribes can plan to adopt these criteria or scientifically defensible
alternatives into their water quality standards and submit them to EPA for approval.
14. NPDES Program
The NPDES Program66 requires point source dischargers to be permitted and requires
pretreatment programs to control certain discharges to the Nation's publicly owned
treatment works (POTWs). Forty-six authorized state NPDES authorities issue approximately
90% of the NPDES permits. EPA is working with states to structure the permit program to
better support comprehensive protection of water quality on a watershed basis and
efficiently manage recent increases in the scope of the program arising from court orders
and emerging environmental issues. EPA strives to issue timely, high quality permits for the
four states (Idaho, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico); all tribes except in Maine;
and all territories except the Virgin Islands, where EPA is the permitting authority. In
66 Read more on the NPDES Program at https://www.epa.gov/npde&
30
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
addition, the NPDES Program has been working closely with OECAto implement the CWA
Action Plan67. EPA and states are working to ensure permits issued conform to the 2015
NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule, a key piece of the CWA Action Plan. Some key NPDES
program efforts include the following:
Permit and Program Quality Reviews (PQRs) 68
OW manages the PQR process to assess the health and integrity of the NPDES program in
authorized states and territories as well as states, territories and tribal lands where EPA is
the permitting authority. EPA maintains a commitment and tracking system to ensure that
NPDES Action Items identified in these assessments are implemented. In FY 2017, EPA will
revise the current PQR process to incorporate efficiencies identified through the first round
of PQRs, as well as revised national focus areas for the reviews conducted during the next
five-year cycle starting in FY 2018.
EPA Activities
1. Before the start of FY 2018, EPA will develop and post revised PQR materials on
EPA's website.
2. In FY 2018 and FY 2019, EPA will continue conducting PQRs. EPA expects to conduct
10-12 reviews per fiscal year.
3. EPA will maintain its commitment and tracking system to reflect implementation of
action items identified in PQRs.
4. EPA will support permit writers by improving data and information related to
streamflow trends to support more accurate estimates of low flow conditions in
permits.
Activities by States and Authorized Tribes (Section 106 Program Grant Guidance)
1. States should continue to implement significant actions identified during regional
reviews and PQRs to assure effective management of the permit program and to
adopt efficiencies to improve environmental results.
2. Collaborate with EPA to optimally balance competing priorities, schedules for action
items based on the significance of the action, and program revisions.
Measure
WQ-11: The cumulative number, and national percent, of follow-up actions that are
completed by assessed NPDES programs.
High Priority Permits
The scope of the NPDES permitted universe has grown and diversified significantly over the
last 25 years without comparable increases in resources to the regulators. States and the
EPA regions should prioritize permits that will achieve the greatest results for public health
and water quality protection. The Office of Wastewater Management (OWM) will continue
to work with EPA regions and states to set targets for priority permits.
67 Read more on the CWA Action Plan at https://www.epa.gov/compliance/clean-water-act-cwa-action-plan.
68 Read more on PQRsat https://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-program-management-and-oversight#pqr.
31
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
EPA Activities
1. Work with states to evaluate and set programmatic and performance goals to
maximize water quality improvement and achieve state and EPA regional priorities
across CWA programs to maintain the integrity of the NPDES programs.
Activities by States and Authorized Tribes (Section 106 Program Grant Guidance)
1. Emphasize implementing criteria to ensure that priority permits selected are those
offering the greatest benefit to improve water quality.
Measures
WQ-12a: The percent of non-tribal facilities covered by NPDES permits that are
considered current (i.e., not backlogged).
(Tribal Measure) WQ-12b: The percent of tribal facilities covered by NPDES permits
that are considered current (i.e., not backlogged).
WQ-19a: The number of high priority state-issued permits finalized during the fiscal
year.
WQ-19b: The number of high priority EPA- and state-issued permits finalized during
the fiscal year.
Storm water and Green Infrastructure (Gl)69
The EPA continues to implement strategies to provide incentives, technical assistance, and
tools to communities to encourage states to implement strong stormwater programs;
leverage existing requirements to strengthen municipal stormwater permits; and promote
Gl as an integral part of stormwater management programs. The EPA will continue work to
advance the broader use of Gl and support the use of CWA Section 106 funds to provide
programmatic support for Gl efforts to promote prevention, reduction, and elimination of
water pollution.
In 2018, the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council (NRC) will initiate a
study to make recommendations exploring several aspects of the EPA's stormwater
industrial permit program that will be specifically relevant to the future issuance of EPA's
Multi-Sector General Permit for industrial stormwater discharges.
In February 2017, the EPA's Construction General Permit (CGP) for construction stormwater
activities became effective. This permit includes erosion and sediment controls, pollution
prevention measures, and other requirements to minimize the discharge of pollutants.
EPA Activities
1. EPA will continue work with other federal agencies to align programs and leverage
available resources to identify ways to make it easier for communities to implement
Gl.
2. EPA will continue to provide technical assistance to community partners, deliver
webinars, and prepare decision tools to encourage the use of GI in permitting and
enforcement activities.
69 Read more on green infrastructure at https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure.
32
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
3. EPA will continue to provide assistance to communities to identify and evaluate
green stormwaterand community design options and associated benefits.
4. EPA will continue its work with its federal and external partners through its Green
Infrastructure Program to identify inter-agency and multi-stakeholder models for
local success.
5. EPA will continue developing opportunities for raising awareness of the CWSRF as a
viable funding source for Gl projects.
6. EPA will continue to develop and promote the Stormwater Calculator as a tool to
help local planners estimate existing patterns of runoff and streamflow and
anticipate changes in runoff.
Activities by States and Authorized Tribes (Section 106 Program Grant Guidance)
1. States are expected to ensure that stormwater permits are reissued on a timely
basis and to strengthen the provisions of MS4 permits as they are reissued to
include clear and enforceable requirements.
2. States should consider incorporating Gl into all stormwater permits.
Measures
WQ-lBa: The number of MS4s covered under either individual or general permits
(SMW).
WQ-IBb: The number of facilities covered under either individual or general
industrial stormwater permits.
WQ-lBc: The number of sites covered under either individual or general
construction stormwater permits.
Integrating Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Plans
EPA is committed to promoting the integration of wastewater and stormwater planning
approaches to help communities prioritize infrastructure investments that will result in the
best water quality outcomes at the least cost. EPA will assist states and local governments to
develop prioritized critical pathways that will effectively achieve the water quality objectives
of the CWA. These pathways are intended to help reduce inefficiencies and unnecessary
costs that may arise due to compliance with wastewater and stormwater requirements that
were not concurrently developed. It is anticipated that integration will decrease capital
investments and long-term operation and maintenance costs. This approach also can lead to
the use of more sustainable and comprehensive solutions, such as Gl, that improve water
quality as well as support other quality of life attributes that enhance the vitality of
communities.
EPA Activities
1. EPA will work with states to determine the appropriate roles of permit and
enforcement authorities in addressing the regulatory requirements identified in
municipal integrated plans.
2. EPA will continue to provide technical assistance to communities to develop
components of integrated plans to support CWA permit conditions.
Activities by States and Authorized Tribes (Section 106 Program Grant Guidance)
1. States should support permittees interested in developing integrated plans.
BB
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Sanitary Sewer Overflows and Wet Weather Operations at the Treatment
Plant
EPA will continue to work with states to resolve longstanding issues related to overflows in
separate sanitary sewer systems. EPA will also work with stakeholders to further understand
the circumstances under which separate sanitary sewer systems may operate differently
under wet weather flow conditions.
EPA Activities
1. EPA will continue to work with states and other stakeholders to further understand
design and operational scenarios resulting in alternative operations at the
wastewater treatment plant under excessive wet weather flow conditions. EPA will
work with permitting authorities to ensure wastewater treatment plant permits
accurately reflect Clean Water Act requirements during dry and wet weather
conditions considering site specific factors.
Activities by States and Authorized Tribes (Section 106 Program Grant Guidance)
1. States should ensure that reissued permits for POTWs conform to the 2015 NPDES
electronic reporting regulation, including reporting of SSOs and bypasses at the
treatment plant. In addition, state permits should ensure compliance with Clean
Water Act requirements in consideration of all operational conditions at the
treatment facility.
Nutrients
EPA will continue to work with state and tribal partners through training and tracking of
nutrient permit data to ensure effluent limits and monitoring for nutrient pollution, as well
as other requirements (e.g. BMPs, water quality trading, nutrient management plans, etc.)
are included in permits where necessary to protect state WQS. Nutrients, in this section,
refer to any nitrogen or phosphorus parameter.
EPA Activities
1. EPA will support authorized state programs, as resources are available, to ensure
effective permitting of nutrient pollution to protect state WQS
2. EPA will continue to provide technical support and information to authorized States
and permitted facilities about the following key areas:
a. Financing for nutrient related projects
b. Nutrient Removal Technology
3. Starting in FY 2017 and continuing in FY 2018 and FY 2019, EPA will post data online
showing nutrient limits and monitoring requirements in all individual NPDES permits
for municipal wastewater treatment facilities70
4. Training to address nutrients
a. Starting in FY 2017, EPA will offer an online version of its in-person Permit
Writers' Specialty Workshop for Nutrients in orderto provide easy access to
permit writers across the nation to information on how to implement
nutrient criteria in NPDES permits.
70 See OW's protocol for tracking permits with nutrient limits and/or monitoring requirements, including the list of nutrient
parameters used in determining these numbers This protocol is also used for reporting under measures WQ-20a and b.
34
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
b. EPA will also continue in-person trainings when possible.
5. EPA will continue to coordinate with ASDWAand ACWAto facilitate state drinking
water and NPDES permitting programs working together to prioritize contaminates
of concern for drinking water systems, including the impact of nutrients.
Activities by States and Authorized Tribes (Section 106 Program Grant Guidance)
1. States are expected to ensure that permits include nutrient monitoring
requirements and limits where appropriate.
2. States should continue coordination between their drinking water and NPDES
permitting programs to address contaminates of concern for drinking water
systems, includingthe impact of nutrients.
Measures
WQ-20a: the number and percent of major wastewater treatment plants with
nutrient limits in their NPDES permit.
WQ-20b: the number and percent of major wastewater treatment plans with
nutrient monitoring requirements in the NPDES permit.
Watershed Permits/Water Quality Trading
EPA will continue to coordinate with EPA regional offices, states, USDA, and other federal
agencies to implement watershed programs and water quality trading which can improve
the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of the NPDES program.
EPA Activities
1. EPA will support authorized state programs, as resources are available, develop
innovative approaches to addressing nutrient pollution (e.g. Watershed-based
permitting Adaptive Management approaches, Gl, etc.).
2. EPA will continue to work with states to refine and implement state-developed
nutrient trading programs to aid in identifying cost-effective solutions for a point
source to meet its nutrient WQBEL.
Activities by States and Authorized Tribes (Section 106 Program Grant Guidance)
1. States are encouraged to seek opportunities to incorporate efficiency tools, such as
trading and linking development of WQS, TMDLs, and permits.
Animal Agriculture
EPA continues to support state Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) NPDES
programs as well as continue collaboration with USDA and the animal agriculture industry to
improve manure management.
EPA Activities
1. EPA will continue to encourage the development of affordable technologies that
recycle nutrients from livestock manure through the Nutrient Recycling Challenge.
2. EPA will continue to collaborate with the animal agriculture industry through the
Animal Agriculture Discussion Group and other initiatives.
3. EPA will continue to develop and maintain a compendium of case studies on
effective state manure management programs.
35
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Activities by States and Authorized Tribes (Section 106 Program Grant Guidance)
1. States should continue to implement the CAFO rule through permitting and work
closely with their inspection and enforcement programs to ensure full
implementation of NPDES CAFO regulations.
Measures
WQ-lBd: The number of CAFOs covered by NPDES permits.
Vessels
In December 2013, EPA issued the second Vessel General Permit (VGP) which provides
coverage for commercial vessels in U.S. waters. This permit contains, among other things,
numeric ballast water discharge limits for most vessels, which will reduce the risk that the
introduction of invasive species to U.S. waters pose, as well as more stringent effluent limits
for oil-to-sea interfaces and exhaust gas scrubber wash water. These provisions will help
prevent adverse environmental impacts of chronic discharge of oils and grease into U.S.
waters.
EPA Activities
1. EPA will work to reissue the VGP in 2018.
Activities by States and Authorized Tribes (Section 106 Program Grant Guidance)
1. States and Tribes should review the proposed VGP when published to be prepared
to provide CWA section 401 certifications or waivers, and for states that it applies
to, Coastal Zone Management Act concurrences. States and Tribes can also provide
comments on the proposed permit during the public comment period if they so
desire.
Pretreatment71
In preparation of their reporting requirement per the NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule. EPA
and states will continue to monitor the number and national percentage of significant
industrial users that have control mechanisms in place to implement applicable
pretreatment requirements prior to discharging to POTWs, and of categorical industrial
users in non-approved pretreatment POTWs that have control mechanisms in place to
implement applicable pretreatment requirements. In FY 2017, EPA issued a memorandum
describing recommendations to program staff in NPDES and National Pretreatment
Programs for addressing toxic and hazardous chemical discharges from industry to POTWs.
EPA Activities
1. EPA will host a series of trainings and webinars directed at both NPDES permit
writers and pretreatment coordinators to discuss new tools and methods for
identifying and addressingtoxic and hazardous chemical discharges to POTWs.
Activities by States and Authorized Tribes (Section 106 Program Grant Guidance)
1. State NPDES permit writers should have knowledge of the pretreatment program in
order to establish appropriate discharge limits in POTW permits.
71 Read more on the Pretreatment Program he re htt ps://w w w ,e pa .gov/co m p I ia nce/c lea n-wate r-a ct-c wa-a ct io n- pi a n
36
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Measures
WQ-14a: The number and national percent of Significant Industrial Users that are
discharging to POTWswith Pretreatment Programs in place.
WQ-14b: The number of Categorical Industrial Users that are discharging to POTWs
without Pretreatment Programs in place.
37
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
WETLANDS AND OTHER
WATER RESOURCES
EPA works in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) other federal
agencies, states, tribes, local governments, non-governmental organizations and
communities to implement the CWA Sections 312 and 404 to protect coastal waters and
oceans, to assess the evolving science, and to support activities for addressing wetland
losses and furthering restoration goals for water resources.
EPA Activities
1. Conduct site visits and attend critical meetings as able to assist the USACE in making
timely CWA Section 404 permit decisions that avoid and minimize adverse human
health or environmental impacts.
2. Assist in the development of technical tools, including ecosystem assessment
methodologies and compensatory mitigation site performance standards and
monitoring protocols, to aid in efficient and effective permitting program
implementation.
3. Coordinate with USACE to resolve enforcement cases.
4. Participate with USACE in joint project and compensatory mitigation site
inspections, and Interagency Review Team activities.
5. Ensure geographic jurisdictional determinations are consistent with applicable law
and science.
6. Eff e ctive ly ove rseestatesthatassumethe CWA Section 404 permitting program.72
7. Review the 2015 Clean Water Rule as directed in the President's Executive Order73
and publish for notice and comment a proposed rule rescinding or revising the rule,
as appropriate and consistent with law. The EPA and USACE are engaging in a two-
step rulemaking process to first replace the 2015 rule with the regulatory approach
in place prior to its promulgation and then as a separate second rulemaking effort
will be the substantively informed and legally grounded revision to the definition of
"waters of the U.S."
8. Work with USACE and other agencies to improve dredged material disposal and
management, involving local stakeholders and working to increase the beneficial
use of dredged material.
72 For more information, visit: https://www.epa.gov/cwa-404/section-404-permit-program.
73 Presidential Executive Order on Restoring the Rule of Law, Federalism, and Economic Growth by Reviewing the "Waters of
the United States" Rule available at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/02/28/presidential-executive-order-
re storing-ru le-l a w-federa li sm -and-econom ic
38
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
9. Participate with other nations to support the effective international regulation of
ocean dumping through the London Convention and Protocol.
Expected State, Tribal, Local, and Community Activities
1. Interact with the EPA as states and tribes explore assumption of the CWA Section
404 permitting program from the USACE (WT-04).74
2. Assist the EPA in its review of 404 permits by sharing their CWA Section 401
certifications on USACE permits.
Measures
WT-SP22: The overall net loss of wetlands resulting from regulatory actions.
WT-03: The effectiveness of the EPA's environmental review of the CWA Section
404 permits.
1. State and Tribal Partnerships
The EPA will continue to partner with states and tribes to build and enhance their wetland
and coastal programs. States and tribes may utilize section 106 grant funds consistent with
grant guidance in appendix D for these activities.
EPA Activities
1. Provide targeted support to states, tribes, and local governments to build their
wetland programs through Wetland Program Develop Grants (WPDG)75 and new
tribal set-aside grant.
2. Review and implement recommendations from the Assumable Waters Federal
Advisory Committee Act (FACA) subcommittee, and advise states and tribes on
matters related to state or tribal assumption of the CWA 404 permit program.
3. Deliver training and technical assistance to states and tribes related to water quality
standards, CWA 401 certification.
4. Continue to work with states and tribes to build their capability to monitor wetland
condition as defined through biological metrics and assessments.
5. Promotetechnicalcapacitytoconductstate-scalestudiesofwetlandcondition
apart from or in conjunction with EPA's NWCA.76
Expected State, Tribal, Local, and Community Activities
1. Build and collaborate with other programs and partners on wetland and coastal
protection and restoration programs.
2. Develop tailored technical products for a state or tribe, such as wetland rapid
assessment methods and wetland mapping products, and share with other states
and tribes.
3. Administer dredge and fill permit programs understate or tribal authority and/or
through USACE state or regional general permits.
4. Where there is state interest, establish "no discharge zones" (NDZ)77to control
vessel sewage under the CWA.
74 For more information on state assumption visit: https://www.epa.gov/cwa-404/state-or-tribal-assumption-section-404-
perm it-program.
75 For more information on WPDGsvisit: https://www.epa.gov/wetlands/wetland-program-development-grants.
76 NWCA available at: https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/nwca.
77 For more information on NDZsvisit: https://www.epa.gov/vessels-marinas-and-port^no-discharge-zones-ndzs-state.
39
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Measure
WT-04: Number of actions completed by states, tribes, and territories to build
programs in regulatory, monitoring and assessment, water quality standards, and
restoration and protection.
2. Wetlands Restored and Enhanced Through Partnerships
EPA partners with other federal agencies, local governments, communities and the private
sector, in addition to states and tribes, to leverage authorities and resources to protect and
restore wetlands and other water resources.
EPA Activities
1. Support federal efforts and responsibilities to protect and restore coastal waters
and wetlands, such as the Interagency Coastal Wetlands Workgroup and the
Migratory Bird Conservation Commission.
2. Contribute to international commitments and efforts to protect and restore
wetlands, such as the Ramsar Convention and the North American Agreement on
Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC).
3. Work across federal agencies to build resilient communities and develop green or
natural infrastructure and nature-based engineering solutions to achieve
community benefits.
Expected State, Tribal, Local, and Community Activities
1. Leve ra ge va rio us C WA programsandstateandTribalauthoritiestosolvewater
quality issues through the protection and restoration of wetlands and other aquatic
resources.
2. Implement natural infrastructure or nature-based engineering solutions as
appropriate to address water quality and flooding challenges.
3. Partner with the federal government and private sector to implement public-private
solutions.
40
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Appendix A - Performance Measures
Detailed performance data, including prioryear commitments and results, universes, regional
breakouts, key terms and phrases, and methodology, are available on the National Water Program's
webpage.
New Measures
ACS
Code
Measure Text
Annual/
Cumulative
Percent/
Numeric
FY18
Budget
Measure
(Y/N)
FY18
Planning
Target
SDW-
22
(Tribal
Measu
re)
Measure: Number of American Indian and Alaska Native
homesprovided access to safe drinking water in
coordination with other federal agencies.
Rationale for creating measure: This measure was
previously SDW-18.N11. Working with the Indian Health
Service, EPA has updated methodology because the
previously used measure only counted homes proposed
through the Sanitation Deficiency System (SDS), which was
based on proposed projects, not specifically based on
individual homes The updated measure provides a more
accurate capture of projects that provide access to drinking
water.
Cumulative
Numeric
Y
148,100
WT-04
Measure: Number of Actions completed by states, tribes,
and territories to build program sin four areas of wetland
management: regulatory, monitoring and assessment, water
quality standards, and restoration and protection.
Deleting and Replacing Measure: The EPA believes the
existing measure (WT-02a) doesn't fully capture the
progress and achievements being made by states,
tribes, and territories as a result of EPA's technical and
financial assistance. This new indicator measure focuses on
outputs that demonstrate progress in developing wetland
programs, steering, away from the current more
input/activity-based measure. For a given state, tribe, or
territory there are 52 potential action sunder this scheme.
Due to the large number of tribes, Regions will add tribes to
the measure when Tribes engage EPA wetland program
development. Actions are defined in the Program Building
Activities Menu -
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-
10/documents/2009_03_10_wetlands_initiative_cef_full.pdf
)
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
WQ-34
Measure: Number of States that included specific high
priority nutrient reduction actions in their PPA/PPG and/or
Section 106 grant workplansfor FY18.
Rationale for creating measure: The EPA is proposing adding
a new measure to document strong, incremental progress
towards reducing one of the most widespread and
challenging water quality problems.
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
41
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
New Measures
ACS
Code
Measure Text
Annual/
Cumulative
Percent/
Numeric
FY18
Budget
Measure
(Y/N)
FY18
Planning
Target
WQ-35
(FY
2019)
Replacement measure for WQ-SP10.N11 and WQ-SP11.
Measure language TBD; revised language will be published in
the FY 2019 NWPG Addendum.
Rationale for revising measure: Delete existing measures
and replace with proposed measure in FY2019. Although
significant progress has been made in the development of
plans to restore and protect water quality in the Nation's
waters, identifying where these plans have led to
improvements in water quality is not easy. The current
process to report and track this information is not only
burdensome for EPA and states, but also unclear and
inconsistent in communicating which waters are restored
and the activities that led to this success To address these
problems, the EPA will transition to using the ATTAINS
database as the system of record, and use NHDPIus
catchments to automate the calculation of and report out on
replacement measures This new approach will provide
greater accountability and transparency while supporting
more flexibility in how the EPA and states achieve the Clean
Water Act goal to restore and maintain the chemical,
physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters
Cumulative
Numeric
N
42
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Revised Measures
ACS
Code
Measure Text
Annual/
Cumulative
Percent/
Numeric
FY18 Budget
Measure
(Y/N)
FY18
Planning
Target
WQ-
06a
(FY
2019)
(Tribal
Measu
re)
Current: Number of tribes that currently receive funding
under Section 106 of the Clean Water Act that have
developed and begun implementing monitoring
strategie s that are appropriate to their water quality
program consistent with EPA Guidance.
Rationale for revising measure: The measure continues
to be reported at a high percentage of the tribes which
are eligible. We believe we can label this measure as a
success and explore other opportunities to measuring
tribal water program output measures We're having
discussions with the National Tribal Water Council
(NTWC) about possibly revising this measure in FY 2019.
Cumulative
Numeric
N
251
WQ-27
Current: Extent of priority areas identified by each state
that are addressed by EPA-approved TMDLsor
alternative restoration approaches for impaired waters
that will achieve water quality standards These areas
may also include protection approachesfor unimpaired
waters to maintain water quality standards
Revised: Percent of areas associated with sate-identified
long-term priority waters that are addressed by an EPA
approved TMDL or accepted plan or approach designed
to achieve or maintain water quality standards
Rationale for revising measure: Thi s revi sion i s ju st a
change in measure language. The way the metric is
actually calculated and measured doe snot change at all.
Annual
Percent
Y
35%
WQ-28
Current: State-wide extent of activities leading to
completed TMDLs or alternative restoration approaches
for impaired waters, or protection approachesfor
unimpaired waters
Revised: Percent of areas associated with impaired
waters and state-identified healthy waters that are
addressed by an EPA approved TMDL or accepted plan or
approach designed to achieve or maintain water quality
standards, or progress on such a plan or approach.
Rationale for revising measure: Thi s revi sion i s ju st a
change in measure language. The way the metric is
actually calculated and measured doe snot change at all.
Annual
Percent
N
Indicator
43
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
FY 2017 Measures Continued in FY 2018
ACS Code
Measure Text
Annual/
Cumulative
Percent/
Numeric
FY18
Budget
Measure
(Y/N)
FY18
Planning
Target
SDW-Ola
Percent of community water system s(CWSs) that
have undergone a sanitary survey within the past
three years (five years for outstanding
performers or those ground water systems
approved by the primacy agency to provide 4-1 og
treatment of viruses).
Annual
Percent
Y
82%
SDW-Olb
(Tribal
Measure)
Number of tribal community water systems
(CWSs) that have undergone a sanitary survey
within the past three years (five years for
outstanding performers or those ground water
systems approved to provide 4-log treatment of
viruses).
Annual
Numeric
N
660
SDW-04
Fund utilization rate [Cumulative dollar amount
of loan agreements divided by Cumulative funds
available for projects] for the Drinking Water
State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).
Annual
Percent
Y
89%
SDW-05
Number of Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
(DWSRF) projects that have initiated operations
Cumulative
Numeric
N
9,200
SDW-07
Percent of Classes 1, II and Class III salt solution
mining wells that have lost mechanical integrity
and are returned to compliance within 180 days
thereby reducing the potential to endanger
underground sources of drinking water.
Annual
Percent
Y
85%
SDW-08
NumberofClassVmotorvehiclewastedisposal
wells(MVWDW) and large capacity cesspools
(LCC) that are closed or permitted
Cumulative
Numeric
Y
28,590
SDW-11
Percent of DWSRF projects awarded to small PWS
serving <500, 501-3,300, and 3,301-10,000
consumers
Annual
Percent
N
Indicator
SDW-15
Number and percent of small CWS and NTNCWS
(<500, 501-3,300, 3,301-10,000) with repeat
health based Nitrate/Nitrite, Stage 1 D/DBP,
SWTR and TCR violations
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
SDW-17
Number and percent of school sand childcare
centers that meet all health-based drinking water
standards
Annual
Numeric/
Percent
N
Indicator
SDW-20
Percent of'person monthsf (i.e. all persons
served by community water systems times 12
months) during which community water systems
in Indian country provide drinking water that
meets all applicable health-based drinking water
standards
Annual
Percent
N
90%
44
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
FY 2017 Measures Continued in FY 2018
ACS Code
Measure Text
Annual/
Cumulative
Percent/
Numeric
FY18
Budget
Measure
(Y/N)
FY18
Planning
Target
SDW-211
Percent of the population served by community
water systems that receive drinking water that
meets all applicable health-based drinking water
standards through approaches including effective
treatment and source water protection.
Annual
Percent
Y
92%
SDW-
SP1.N11
Percent of community water systems that meet
all applicable health-based standards through
approaches that include effective treatment and
source water protection.
Annual
Percent
Y
87%
SDW-SP2
Percent of "person months" (i.e. all persons
served by community water systems times 12
months) during which community water systems
provide drinking water that meets all applicable
health-based drinking water standards
Annual
Percent
Y
95%
SDW-
SP3.N11
(Tribal
Measure)
Percent of the population in Indian country
served by community water systems that receive
drinking water that meets all applicable health-
based drinking water standards
Annual
Percent
Y
87%
SDW-SP4a
Percent of community water systems where risk
to public health is minimized through source
water protection.
Annual
Percent
N
49%
SDW-SP4b
Percent of the population served by community
water sy ste m s whe re ri sk to pu bli c health i s
minimized through source water protection.
Annual
Percent
N
59%
SS-1
Number and national percent, using a constant
denominator, of Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO)
permits with a schedule incorporated into an
appropriate enforceable mechanism, including a
permit or enforcement order, with specific dates
and milestones, including a completion date
consistent with Agency guidance, which requires:
1) Implementation of a Long Term Control Plan
(LTCP) which will result in compliance with the
technology and water quality-based
requirements of the Clean Water Act; or 2)
implementation of any other acceptable CSO
control measures consistent with the 1994 CSO
Control Policy; or 3) completion of separation
after the baseline date.
Cumulative
Numeric/
Percent
N
854
WQ-Ola
Number of Numeric water quality standards
adopted for total nitrogen or total phosphorus
for all waters within the State or Territory for
each of the following waterbody types:
lake ^reservoirs, river ^streams, and estuaries
Cumulative
Numeric
N
48
45
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
FY 2017 Measures Continued in FY 2018
ACS Code
Measure Text
Annual/
Cumulative
Percent/
Numeric
FY18
Budget
Measure
(Y/N)
FY18
Planning
Target
WQ-Old
Number of Numeric water quality standards
planned to be adopted within 3 years for total
nitrogen and total phosphorus for all waters
within the state or territory for each of the
following waterbody types: lakes/reservoirs,
rivers/streams, and estuaries, based on a full set
of performance milestone information supplied
Annually by state sand territories
Cumulative
Numeric
N
14
WQ-02
(Tribal
Measure)
Number of tribes that have water quality
standards approved by EPA.
Cumulative
Numeric
N
50
WQ-03a
Number, and national percent, of states and
territories that within the preceding three year
period, submitted new or revised water quality
criteria acceptable to EPA that reflect new
scientific information from EPA or other sources
not considered in the previous standards.
Annual
Numeric/
Percent
Y
70%
WQ-03b
(Tribal
Measure)
Number, and national percent of tribes that
within the preceding three year period,
submitted new or revised water quality criteria
acceptable to EPA that reflect new scientific
information from EPA or other sources not
considered in the previous standards
Annual
Numeric/
Percent
N
15
WQ-04a
Percentage of submissions of new or revised
water quality standards from states and
territories that are approved by EPA.
Annual
Percent
N
Indicator
WQ-11
Number, and national percent, of follow-up
actions that are completed by assessed NPDES
(National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System)
program s
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
WQ-12a
Percent of non-tribal facilities covered by NPDES
permits that are considered current.
Annual
Percent
N
83%
WQ-12b
(Tribal
Measure)
Percent of tribal fecilities covered by NPDES
permits that are considered current.
Annual
Percent
N
84%
WQ-13a
Number of MS-4s covered under either an
individual or general permit.
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
WQ-13b
Number of facilities covered under either an
individual or general industrial storm water
permit.
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
WQ-13c
Number of sites covered under either an
individual or general construction storm water
site permit.
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
WQ-13d
Number of facilities covered under either an
individual or general CAFO permit.
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
46
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
FY 2017 Measures Continued in FY 2018
ACS Code
Measure Text
Annual/
Cumulative
Percent/
Numeric
FY18
Budget
Measure
(Y/N)
FY18
Planning
Target
WQ-14a
Number, and national percent, of Significant
Industrial Users (SI Us) that are discharging to
POTWs with Pretreatment Programs that have
control mechanisms in place that implement
applicable pretreatment standards and
requirements
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
WQ-14b
Number, and national percent, of Categorical
Industrial Users(ClUs) that are discharging to
POTWs without Pretreatment Programs that have
control mechanisms in place that implement
applicable pretreatment standards and
requirements
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
WQ-17
Fund utilization rate [Cumulative loan agreement
dollars to the Cumulative funds available for
projects] for the Clean Water State Revolving
Fund (CWSRF).
Annual
Percent
Y
95%
WQ-19a
Number of high priority state NPDES permits that
are issued in the fiscal year.
Annual
Numeric
Y
80%
WQ-19b
Number of high priority state and EPA (including
tribal) NPDES permits that are issued in the fiscal
year.
Annual
Numeric
Y
80%
WQ-20a
Number and percent of major NPDES wastewater
treatment plant permits with nutrient limits
Annual
Numeric/
Percent
N
Indicator
WQ-20b
Number and percent of major NPDES wastewater
treatment plant permits with nutrient monitoring
requirements.
Annual
Numeric/
Percent
N
Indicator
WQ-24.N11
(Tribal
Measure)
Number of American Indian and Alaska Native
homes provided access to basic sanitation in
coordination with other federal agencies
Cumulative
Numeric
N
103,806
WQ-29
Number of states protecting or improving water
quality conditions, as demonstrated by state-
scale statistical surveys:
On average, water quality is improving or at
least not degrading (there is no statistically
significant decrease in mean water quality);
The percentage of waters in good condition is
increasing or remaining constant; and,
The percentage of waters in poor condition is
decreasing or remaining constant.
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
WQ-
SP13.N11
Ensure that the condition of the Nation's waters
does not degrade (i.e., there is no statistically
significant increase in the percent of waters rated
"poor" and no statistically significant decrease in
the waters rated "good").
Annual
Qualitative
N
Protection
of
condition
of rivers
47
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
FY 2017 Measures Continued in FY 2018
ACS Code
Measure Text
Annual/
Cumulative
Percent/
Numeric
FY18
Budget
Measure
(Y/N)
FY18
Planning
Target
WQ-
SP14a.Nll
(Tribal
Measure)
Improve water quality in Indian country at
baseline monitoring stations in tribal waters (i.e.,
show improvement in one or more of seven key
parameters: dissolved oxygen, pH, water
temperature, total nitrogen, total phosphorus,
pathogen indicators, and turbidity).
Cumulative
Numeric
N
50
WQ-
SP14b.Nll
(Tribal
Measure)
Identify monitoring stations on tribal lands that
are showing no degradation in water quality
(meaning the waters are meeting tribal water
quality objectives).
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
WT-03
Percent of Clean Water Act Section 404 standard
permits, upon which EPA coordinated with the
permitting authority (i.e., Corps or State), where
a final permit decision in the current fiscal year
documents requirements for greater
environmental protection* than originally
proposed.
Annual
Percent
N
Indicator
WT-SP22
In partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, states, and tribes, achieve 'no net loss'
of wetlands each year under the Clean Water Act
Section 404regulatory program. ("No net loss" of
wetlands is based on requirements for mitigation
in CWA 404 permits and not the actual mitigation
attained.)
Annual
Qualitative
Y
Not Net
Loss
PI-SP26
Percent of population in the U.S. Pacific Island
Territories served by community water systems
that has access to continuous drinking water
meeting all applicable health-based drinking
water standards, measured on a four quarter
rolling average basis
Annual
Percent
N
80%
48
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Measures Associated with Eliminated Work
The following measures are linked to work being eliminated beginning in FY 2018. Therefore, no FY 2018 target has been set for
these measures
ACS Code
Measure Text
Annual/
Cumulative
Percent/
Numeric
FY18
Budget
Measure
(Y/N)
FY18
Planning
Target
SDW-21
Number of drinking water and wastewater utilities
and local, state, and federal officials receiving
training and technical assistance to enhance
emergency preparedness and resiliency to reduce
risk from all hazards including those attributed to
climate change impacts
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
FS-SP6. Nil
Percent of women of childbearing age having
mercury level sin blood above the level of concern.
Annual
Percent
N
Indicator
SS-2
Percent of all Tier 1 (significant) public beaches that
are monitored and managed under the BEACH Act
program.
Annual
Percent
N
Indicator
SS-SP9. Nil
Percent of days of the beach season that coastal and
Great Lakes beaches monitored by state beach safety
programs are open and safe for swimming.
Annual
Percent
N
Indicator
WQ-09a
Estimated Annual reduction in million pounds of
nitrogen from nonpoint sources to waterbodies
(Section 319 funded projects only).
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
WQ-09b
Estimated Annual reduction in million pounds of
phosphorus from nonpoint sources to waterbodies
(Section 319 funded projects only).
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
WQ-09C
Estimated Annual reduction in thousands of tons of
sediment from nonpoint sources to waterbodies
(Section 319 funded projects only).
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
WQ-lOa
Number of NPS impairm ents that have been
eliminated through restoration actions
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
WQ-23
Percent of serviceable rural Alaska homes with
access to drinking water supply and wastewater
disposal.
--
Percent
N
Indicator
WQ-25a
Number of urban water projects initiated addressing
water quality issues in the community.
Annual
Numeric
Y
Indicator
WQ-25b
Number of urban water projects completed
addressing water quality issues in the community.
Cumulative
Numeric
Y
Indicator
WQ-30
Number of WaterSense partners working to improve
water use efficiency.
--
Numeric
N
Indicator
WQ-31
Number of water and wastewater utilities that use
the EnergyStar Portfolio Manager to manage energy.
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
WQ-32
Number of water and wastewater utilities that have
registered to use the Climate Resilience Evaluation
and Awareness Tool (CREAT).
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
WQ-33
Number of CWSRF^DWSRFs that used financial
incentives to promote climate resilience projects in
the last year.
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
49
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Measures Associated with Eliminated Work
The following measures are linked to work being eliminated beginning in FY 2018. Therefore, no FY 2018 target has been set for
these measures
ACS Code
Measure Text
Annual/
Cumulative
Percent/
Numeric
FY18
Budget
Measure
(Y/N)
FY18
Planning
Target
CO-02
Total coastal and non-coastal statutory square miles
protected from vessel sewage by "no discharge
zone(s)."
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
CO-04
Dollar value of "primary" leveraged re sources (cash
or in-kind) obtained by the NEP Directors and/or staff
in millions of dollars rounded to the nearest tenth of
a percent.
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
CO-06
Number of active dredged material ocean dumping
sites that are monitored in the reporting year.
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
CO-
432. Nil
Working with partners, protect or restore additional
acres of habitat within the study areas for the 28
estuaries that are part of the National Estuary
Program (NEP).
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
CO-
SP20.N11
Percent of active dredged material ocean dumping
sites that will have achieved environmentally
acceptable conditions (as reflected in each site's
management plan and measured through on-site
monitoring programs).
Annual
Percent
N
Indicator
WT-01
Number of acres restored and improved, under the
5-Star, NEP, 319, and great waterbody programs
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
GL-05
Area of Concern Beneficial Use Impairments removed
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
GL-07
Number GLRI-funded Great Lakes rapid responses or
exercises conducted.
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
GL-09
Number of aquatic/terrestrial acres controlled by
GLRI-funded projects
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
GL-17
Projected phosphorus reductions from GLRI-funded
projects in targeted watersheds (measured in
pounds).
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
GL-18
Projected volume of untreated urban runoff captured
or treated by GLRI-funded projects (Cumulative,
measured in millionsof gallons).
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
GL-19
Number of miles of Great Lakes tributaries reopened
by GLRI-funded projects
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
GL-20
Number of miles of Great Lakes shoreline and
riparian corridors protected, restored, and enhanced
by GLRI-funded projects
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
GL-21
Number of acres of Great Lakes coastal wetlands
protected, restored, and enhanced by GLRI-funded
projects
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
GL-22
Number of acres of other habitats in the Great Lakes
basin protected, restored, and enhanced by GLRI-
funded projects
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
50
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Measures Associated with Eliminated Work
The following measures are linked to work being eliminated beginning in FY 2018. Therefore, no FY 2018 target has been set for
these measures
ACS Code
Measure Text
Annual/
Cumulative
Percent/
Numeric
FY18
Budget
Measure
(Y/N)
FY18
Planning
Target
GL-SP31
Areas of Concern where all management actions
necessary for delisting have been implemented
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
CB-05.N14
Percent attainment of water quality standards for
dissolved oxygen, water clarity/underwater grasses,
and chlorophyll a in Chesapeake Bay and tidal
tributaries.
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
CB-SP35
Percent of goal achieved for implementing nitrogen
pollution reduction actions to achieve the final TMDL
allocations, as measured through the phase 5.3
watershed model.
Annual
Percent
N
Indicator
CB-SP36
Percent of goal achieved for implementing
phosphorus pollution reduction actions to achieve
final TMDL allocations, as measured through the
phase 5.3 watershed model.
Annual
Percent
N
Indicator
CB-SP37
Percent of goal achieved for implementing sediment
pollution reduction actions to achieve final TMDL
allocations, as measured through the phase 5.3
watershed model.
Annual
Percent
N
Indicator
GM-01
Improve and/or restore water and habitat quality to
meet water quality standards in watersheds
throughout the five Gulf State sand the Mississippi
River Basin.
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
GM-02
Promote and support environmental education and
outreach to the inhabitants of the Gulf of Mexico
watershed.
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
GM-03
Support the assessment, development and
implementation of programs, projects and tools
which strengthen community resilience.
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
GM-SP39
Protect, enhance, or restore coastal and upland
habitats within the Gulf of Mexico watershed.
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
LI-SP42. Nil
Reduce the size (square miles) of observed hypoxia
(Dissolved Oxygen <3mg/l) in Long Island Sound
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
LI-SP41
Percent of goal achieved in reducing trade-equalized
(TE) point source nitrogen discharges to Long Island
Sound from the 1999 baseline of 59,146 TE Ib^day.
Annual
Percent
N
Indicator
LI-SP43
Restore, protect, or enhance acres of coastal habitat
from the 2010 baseline of 2,975 acres
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
LI-SP44
Reopen miles of river and stream corridors to
diadromous fish passage from the 2010 baseline of
177rivermilesbyremovalofdamsandbarriersorby
installation of bypass structures
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
51
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Measures Associated with Eliminated Work
The following measures are linked to work being eliminated beginning in FY 2018. Therefore, no FY 2018 target has been set for
these measures
ACS Code
Measure Text
Annual/
Cumulative
Percent/
Numeric
FY18
Budget
Measure
(Y/N)
FY18
Planning
Target
PS-
SP49.N11
Improve water quality and enable the lifting of
harve st re striction s i n acre s of she llfi sh be d growing
areas impacted by degraded or declining water
quality.
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
PS-SP51
Protect or restore acres or shoreline miles of aquatic
habitats including: estuaries, floodplains, marine and
freshwater shorelines, riparian areas, stream habitats
and associated wetlands
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
MB-SP23
Loading of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
removed (Cumulative million pounds/year) from the
U.S.-Mexico Border area since 2003.
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
MB-
SP24.N11
Number of additional homes provided access to safe
drinking water in the U.S.-Mexico border area since
2003.
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
MB-
SP25.N11
Number of additional homes provided access to
adequate sanitation in the U.S.-Mexico border area
since 2003.
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
SFL-1
Increase percent of sewage treatment facilities and
on site sewage treatment and disposal systems
receiving advanced wastewater treatment or best
available technology as recorded by EDU. In Florida
Keys two percent (1500 EDUs) Annually.
Annual
Percent
N
Indicator
SFL-2
Current: The number of Everglades Storm water
Treatment Areas(STAs) with the Annual total
phosphorus (TP) outflow less than or the same as the
five-year Annual average TP outflow, working
towards the long-term goal of meeting the 10 parts
per billion Annual geometric mean.
Revised: The number of constructed treatment
wetlands where with the annual total phosphorus
(TP) outflow is less than or the same as the five-year
annual average TP outflow in order to show
improvement toward delivering clean water that
meets the Everglades^ 10 part per billion TP water
quality standard.
Rationale for revising measure: This revision is just a
change in measure language. The way the metric is
actually calculated and measured does not change at
all. EPA just simplifies the language to make it clearer
to a non-technical audience. The South Florida
Program is proposed for elimination in FY 2018, so
this is an indicator measure.
Annual
Numeric
N
Indicator
52
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Measures Associated with Eliminated Work
The following measures are linked to work being eliminated beginning in FY 2018. Therefore, no FY 2018 target has been set for
these measures
ACS Code
Measure Text
Annual/
Cumulative
Percent/
Numeric
FY18
Budget
Measure
(Y/N)
FY18
Planning
Target
SFL-SP45
Achieve 'no net loss^ of stony coral cover (mean
percent stony coral cover) in the Florida Keys
National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) and in the
coastal watersof Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach
Counties, Florida, working with all stakeholders
(federal, state, regional, tribal, and local).
Annual
Qualitative
N
Indicator
SFL-SP46
Annually maintain the overall health and
functionality of sea grass beds in the FKNMS as
measured by the long-term sea grass monitoring
project that addresses com position and abundance,
productivity, and nutrient availability.
Annual
Qualitative
N
Indicator
SFL-SP47a
Current: At least seventy five percent of the
monitored stations in the near shore and coastal
waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
will maintain Chlorophyll a(CHLA) level sat less than
or equal to 0.35 ug 1-1 and light clarity) Kd)) levels at
less than or equal to 0.20 m-1.
Revised: Maintain water quality parameters
chlorophyll and water clarity in the Florida Keys
National Marine Sanctuary to protect coral reefs,
fisheries, seagrassand recreational activities within
the Sanctuary.
Rationale for revising measure: This revision is just a
change in measure language. The way the metric is
actually calculated and measured does not change at
all. The 75% target remains the same, EPA just
simplifies the language to make it clearer to a non-
technical audience. The South Florida Program is
proposed for elimination in FY 2018, so this is an
indicator measure.
Annual
Percent
N
Indicator
53
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Measures Associated with Eliminated Work
The following measures are linked to work being eliminated beginning in FY 2018. Therefore, no FY 2018 target has been set for
these measures
ACS Code
Measure Text
Annual/
Cumulative
Percent/
Numeric
FY18
Budget
Measure
(Y/N)
FY18
Planning
Target
Current: At least seventy five percent of the
monitored stations in the near shore and coastal
waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
will maintain dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) levels
at less than or equal to 0.75 uM and total
phosphorus (TP) levels at less than or equal to .25
uM.
Revised: Maintain nutrients nitrogen and
phosphorous at levels within the Florida Keys
National Marine Sanctuary to preserve and restore
the overall aquatic health of the Sanctuary and to
protect the biologically diverse and
economically valuable coral reef, fishery and
seagrass communities
Rationale for revising measure: This revision is just a
change in measure language. The way the metric is
actually calculated and measured does not change at
all. The 75% target remains the same, EPA just
simplifies the language to make it clearer to a non-
technical audience. The South Florida Program is
proposed for elimination in FY 2018, so this is an
indicator measure.
SFL-SP47b
Annual
Percent
N
Indicator
CR-SP53
Clean up acres of known contaminated sediments
Cumulative
Numeric
N
Indicator
CR-SP54
Demonstrate a reduction in mean concentration of
certain contaminants of concern found in water and
fish tissue.
Cumulative
Percent
N
Indicator
54
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Discontinued Measures
ACS Code
Measure T ext
Annual/
Cumulative
Percent/
Numeric
FY18 Budget
Measure
(Y/N)
FY18
Planning
Target
SDW-19a
Deleted text: Volume of C02 sequestered through
injection as defined by the UIC Final Rule.
Rationale: EPA is proposing to delete this measure
due to shifts in programmatic priorities
Annual
Numeric
N
-
SDW-19b
Deleted text: Number of perm it decisions during the
reporting period that result in C02 sequestered
through injection as defined by the UIC Final Rule.
Rationale: EPA is proposing to delete this measure
due to shifts in programmatic priorities
Annual
Numeric
N
-
WQ-SP12.N11
(FY 2019)
Deleted text: Improve water quality conditions in
impaired watersheds nationwide using the
watershed approach. Rationale: Asa follow-up to
the conversations on the replacement measures for
SP-10 and SP-11, EPA decided to suspend this
measure in FY 2019. In late FY 2018, the EPA will
begin working with the Regions on a potential
replacement measure for documenting incremental
water quality improvement
Cumulative
Numeric
Y
543
WT-02a
Deleted text: Number of state^tribesthat have
substantially built or increased capacity in wetland
regulation, monitoring and assessment, water quality
standards, and/or restoration and protection.
Rationale: Deleting WT-02a and Replacing with WT-
04: The EPA believes the existing measure doesn't
fully capture the progress and achievements being
made by states and tribes as a result of EPA's
technical and financial assistance. The EPA is
proposing a new indicator measure (WT-04) that
focuses on outputs that demonstrate progress in
developing wetland programs, steering away from
the current more input/activity-based measure. For a
given state or tribe, there are 52 potential actions
under this scheme.
Annual
Numeric
N
-
WQ-SP10.N11
(FY 2019)
Deleted text: Number of waterbodies identified in
2002 as not attaining water quality standards where
standards are now fully attained.
Rationale: Delete existing measures and replace with
proposed measure WQ-35 in FY2019. Rationale is
included in the New Measures section.
Cumulative
Numeric
Y
4,146
WQ-SP11
(FY 2019)
Deleted text: Remove the specific causes of
waterbody impairment identified by states in 2002.
Rationale: Delete existing measures and replace with
proposed measure WQ-35 in FY2019. Rationale is
included in the New Measures section.
Cumulative
Numeric
Y
13,252
55
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Appendix B - Key Contacts
Subject Area
Contact Name
Phone
Email
Children's Health
Sandy Evalenko
(202) 564-0264
evaleko.sandy@epa.gov
Environmental Justice
Macara Lousberg
Alice Walker
(202) 564-5576
(202) 529-7534
lousberg. macaraiฎ eoa.aov
walker.alice@epa.gov
Tribes
Karen Gude
(202) 566-1186
gud e. ka re n @e pa .gov
Preparedness and
Resiliency
Jeff Peterson
(202)564-3745
pe rte rso n .j eff @ e pa. go v
Innovative
Technology
Jeff Lape
(202)566-0480
lape.jeff@epa.gov
Grants Management
Tracey Miller
(202)564-0783
miller.tracey@epa. gov
Section 106 Grant
Guidance
Robyn Delehanty
(202) 564-3880
delehanty.robyn@epa.gov
Water Safe to Drink
Eric Bissonette
Travis Cummings
(202)564-2147
(202)564-9592
Bissonette.eric@epa.gov
cummings.travis@epa.gov
Fish and Shellfish Safe
to Eat
Lisa Larimer
(202) 566-1017
larimer.lisa@epa.gov
Water Safe for
Swimming
Jackie Clark
Lisa Larimer
(202) 564-6582
(202) 566-1017
clark.jackie@epa.gov
larimer.lisa@epa.gov
Improve Water
Quality on a
Watershed Basis
Kristie Moore
Jackie Clark
Dan Koch is
Katherine Stebe
(202)566-1616
(202)564-6582
(202) 564-0445
(202) 564-7933
moore.kristie@epa. gov
clark.jackie@epa.gov
kochis.daniel@epa.gov
stebe.katherine@epa.gov
Improve Coastal and
Ocean Waters
Bern ice Smith
(202) 566-1244
smith.bernicel@epa.gov
Increase Wetlands
Mindy Eisenberg
(202) 566-1290
eisenberg.mindy@epa.gov
Great Lakes
Mike Russ
(312) 886-4013
russ.michael@epa.gov
Chesapeake Bay
Laura Free
(410) 267-5713
free.laura@epa .gov
Gulf of Mexico
Rachel Houge
(228) 304-7441
houge.rachel@epa.gov
Long Island Sound
Mark Tedesco
(203) 977-1541
Tedesco.mark@epa.gov
The Puget Sound
Angela Adams
Taylor Biaggi
(206) 553-0332
(206) 553-2989
adams.angela@epa.gov
b ia ggi .tay lo r@ e pa. go v
U.S.-Mexico Border
Aw i Id a Fuentes
(202) 564-7996
fuentes.awilda@epa.gov
Pacific Island
Territories
John McCarroll
(415) 972-3774
mccarroll.john@epa.gov
South Florida
Ecosystem
Steve Blackburn
(404) 562-9397
blackburn.steven@epa.gov
Columbia River Basin
Mary Lou Soscia
(503)326-5873
soscia .ma rylo u@e pa .gov
San Francisco Bay
Delta Estuary
Sam Ziegler
(415) 972-3399
ziegler.sam@epa.gov
56
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
Appendix C- Additional Guidance for CWA
Section 106 State, Interstate, and Tribal Grant
Recipients
This appendix, a long with the specific Section 106 text found in the program specific guidance, provide
guidance for state, interstate, and tribal grant recipients when implementing water pollution control
programs under Section 106 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Together, Section 106 Guidance in the
program specific guidance and Appendix D make up the CWA Section 106 grant guidance.
Base Program Measures
CWA Section 106 funding supports many of the strategic targets and goals outlined in the National
Water Program Guidance. These measures include:
WQ-SP10.N11 WQ-SP13 WQ-Ba WQ-20aandb
WQ-SP11 WQ-la and Id WQ-27 WQ-lBa, b,c, d
WQ-SP12.N11 WQ-11 WQ-lOa WQ-14a and b
In Fiscal Year 2019, EPA, in collaboration with stakeholders, is poised to roll out a new performance
measure, "Progress on Meeting Water Quality Standards in Waters Targeted for Local Action" to replace
the WQ-SP10.N11 and WQ-SP11 performance measures (WQ-35), and will suspend reporting on the
WQ-SP12.N11 performance measure until methods for measuring or communicating incremental water
quality improvements are developed. The new performance measure will document progress using the
Integrated Report data that states submit to EPA under Clean Water Act Sections 303(d) and 305(b) in
ATTAINS as the data source to automate the calculation of this measure and to make these data
available to the public in the modernized ATTAINS database. Key aspects include: track all water quality
attainment reasons, use catchment area and percentage to report, and adopt a new baseline to track
waters.
Other programs in the NWPG that can utilize CWA Section 106 Funds
State, interstate, and tribal agencies can use CWA Section 106 grants to carry out a wide range of water
quality planning and management activities, including wetlands. Agencies have the flexibility to allocate
funds toward priority activities. Other activities that may be funded with CWA Section 106 funds
include:
Source Water (Surface Water and Ground Water)
CWA Section 106 grant funds are an essential funding mechanism for source water protection activities.
The Agency recommends that states and tribes continue to direct a portion of their CWA Section 106
funding for source water protection and wellhead protection actions that protect both ground water
and surface water used for drinking water. EPA regions, states, and tribes that administer EPA-approved
WQS programs should ensure that there are protective WQS in place, and being attained, for each
waterbody being used as a public water supply. Also, EPA encourages states and tribes to allocate a
57
-------
NATIONAL WATER PROGRAM GUIDANCE
2018-2019
reasonable share of water quality monitoring resources to assess attainment of the public water supply
use, and consider using water quality or compliance monitoring data collected by public water systems
in assessing water quality and determining impairment. EPA regions, states, and tribes should consider
placing a high priority on:
waterbodies where state, tribal, or local source water assessments have identified highly
threatening sources of contamination that are subject to CWA, and
the development and implementation of TMDLsto address impairments of the public water
supply use.
In particular, EPA regions and states should consider the hydrologic relationship between point source
dischargers and drinking water intakes in setting permit requirements and inspection and enforcement
priorities. EPA encourages state programs to access a new online mappingtool, the Drinking Water
Mapping Application to Protect Source Waters (DWMAPS). DWMAPS helps state and utility drinking
water professionals in concert with other state and local mapping tools to update their source water
assessments and protection plans by locating drinking water providers, potential sources of
contamination, polluted waterways as well as information on protection projects and Source Water
Collaborative initiatives in their area. EPA also encourages state programs to leverage the tools and
resources of the National Source Water Collaborative members and allies, found on:
htt p: //www .so u rce wate rco I la bo rat ive. o rg/. States and tribes are also encouraged to integrate source
water into updates of watershed assessments and plans, including incorporating ground water and the
ground water/surface water interchange, and in the course of doing so consider the effects of climate
change on fresh water resources. See Section II.B. for additional discussion on the Source Water and
Ground Water. Tribes should refer to the Final Guidance on Awards of Grants to Indian Tribes under
Section 106 of the Clean Water Act, in particular the Understanding Source Water Protection and
Conducting a Source Water Assessment sections.
Assessing Water Quality and Developing Plans to Restore and Protect Waters
States, interstate agencies, and tribes may use CWA Section 106 funds to develop watershed-based
plans and to conduct monitoring on a watershed basis. States' and where appropriate, tribes' integrated
monitoring designs should use a combination of statistical surveys and targeted monitoring to cost-
effectively evaluate the health of watersheds and the effectiveness of protection and restoration
actions. In addition, EPA encourages broader efforts to protect and maintain healthy watersheds, so that
costly implementation measures are not required to restore water quality and aquatic habitat.
Protecting Wetlands
Some states and tribes have utilized CWA Section 106 funds for wetland program activities such as
wetlands identification and monitoring and dredge and fill permit programs.
58
------- |