v>EPA
EPA's WaterTA: A Summary of Providers, Programs, and Initiatives
Last updated: September 2024 (This document will be updated periodically to reflect changes in WaterTA
providers, programs, and initiatives)
This document provides a brief background on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Water
Technical Assistance (WaterTA) programs and initiatives, and the skills and services that WaterTA providers offer
to local utilities, municipalities, Tribes, and others eligible to receive assistance.
The EPA's free WaterTA increases access to safe and reliable water and wastewater services for communities
nationwide by providing hands-on support to identify water infrastructure or water quality challenges, develop
plans to address these challenges, build technical, managerial, and financial capacity, maintain regulatory
compliance, prepare application materials to finance water infrastructure projects with public funding, and
improve resilience. For example, WaterTA providers can assist with planning, assessment, project development,
partnerships and engagement, applying for funding and financing, and program management. The EPA
collaborates with states, Tribes, territories, community partners, and other stakeholders to implement WaterTA
efforts. To learn more about EPA WaterTA, please visit the EPA's WaterTA website: www.epa.gov/WaterTA.
Communities facing water infrastructure challenges and could benefit from WaterTA support can complete and
submit their information through the EPA's WaterTA Request form. The EPA works closely with our partners,
including states and our network of technical assistance (TA) providers to respond to community requests for
assistance. If a request is not a good fit for WaterTA, the EPA will follow up with the community and provide
other resources as available. Communities can also reach out directly to an individual TA provider through the
provided website and/or contact information listed in this document.
EPA 830-F-24-006 October 2024
www.epa.gov/WaterTA
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Current WaterTA Programs and Initiatives
The EPA provides WaterTA through multiple programs and initiatives, summarized below. This list reflects the
current offerings, which may change overtime.
WaterTA Program/Initiative
Focus of WaterTA services provided
Environmental Finance Centers
(EFCs)
Provide TA services to support communities to address water
infrastructure challenges, develop funding applications, and address other
capacity needs. There are multiple types of EFCs. The traditional Regional
Multi-Environmental Media (MM) EFCs provide TA for multiple types of
media (water, air, land, etc.). The Regional and National Water
Infrastructure (Water) EFC Initiatives were an expansion to the EFC grant
program to support access to BIL resources and facilitate effective
implementation of water, wastewater, and stormwater projects.
Training and Technical
Assistance (T&TA) for Small
Systems
Provide training and technical assistance for the following: small public
water systems to achieve and maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking
Water Act, including improving financial and managerial capacity,
improving water quality for wastewater systems and decentralized
wastewater systems, and supporting private drinking water well owners to
improve water quality.
Rural, Small, and Tribal (RST) TA
for Wastewater Systems
Support rural, small municipalities, and Tribal governments to access
finance/funding and support rural, small, and Tribal centralized and
decentralized wastewater systems to build capacity to protect water
quality and comply with the Clean Water Act.
Creating Resilient Water Utilities
(CRWU)
Provide TA, training, and climate data resources to support water utilities
as they pursue climate adaptation and resiliency strategies.
Area-Wide Optimization
Program (AWOP)
Provide tools and approaches for drinking water systems to meet water
quality optimization goals and provide an increased - and sustainable -
level of public health protection to their consumers.
Cvbersecuritv
Offer online and in-person courses on water sector cybersecurity threats,
vulnerabilities, consequences, best practices, resources, and program
development. Additionally, the EPA offers free, confidential assessments
and cybersecurity TA to interested drinking water and wastewater utilities.
Get the Lead Out (GLO) Initiative
Expand the services provided in the Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR)
Accelerators pilot to provide LSLR TA to approximately 200 underserved
and disadvantaged communities.
Closing America's Wastewater
Expand the services provided in the Closing America's Wastewater Access
Gap pilot to provide TA to approximately 150 underserved and
disadvantaged communities with decentralized wastewater needs (or no
wastewater infrastructure at all).
Access Gap Initiative
Engineering Support
Facilitate community access to State Revolving Fund (SRF) resources with a
focus on developing engineering materials for applications for
disadvantaged and underserved communities, communities that have
never accessed SRF funding before, and communities that are not
currently receiving an equivalent kind of TA.
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EPA WaterTA Providers
The table below lists the current WaterTA Providers by EPA Region (R) served (EPA Regional Offices map and
additional information can be found here), along with their affiliated EPA WaterTA Program/lnitiative(s). You can
click on the name of each TA Provider for a detailed description of their skills and expertise.
Area
served
WaterTA Provider (linked to Provider Profile)
EPA WaterTA
Program/lnitiative(s)
National
Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC)
WATER EFC
National
Moonshot Missions (Moonshot)
WATER EFC
National
Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP)
WATER EFC, RST,
T&TA
National
U.S. Water Alliance
WATER EFC
R1/R2
New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission
RST
(NEIWPCC)
R1
New England Environmental Finance Center (NEEFC) at the University
WATER EFC
of Southern Maine
R2
Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center (SU EFC)
WATER EFC, MM EFC
R2
Hudson Valley Regional Council (HVRC)
RST
R3
Environmental Finance Center at University of Maryland (EFC at UMD)
WATER EFC, MM EFC
R3
Low Impact Development (LID) Center Inc.
MM EFC
R4
Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project Inc. (SERCAP)
WATER EFC
R4
University of North Carolina Environmental Finance Center (UNC EFC)
WATER EFC, MM EFC
R4
Tennessee Water Resources Research Center (TNWRRC)
RST
R4
Southeast Sustainabilitv Directors Network (SSDN)
MM EFC
R5
Delta Institute
WATER EFC
R5
Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP)
WATER EFC
R5
Michigan Technological University (MTU)
MM EFC
R6/
National
Southwest Environmental Finance Center (SW EFC)
R6 WATER EFC, R6
MM EFC, National RST
R7
Environmental Finance Center of Wichita State University (EFC WSU)
WATER EFC, MM EFC
R7
Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
RST
R8/
National
National Rural Water Association (NRWA)
R8 WATER EFC, R8
MM EFC, National
RST, National T&TA
R9
Hawai'i Community Foundation (HCF)
WATER EFC
R9
EFC at California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State)
MM EFC
R9/R10
Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC)
WATER EFC, MM EFC
RIO
Alaska Municipal League (AML)
RST
RIO/
National
Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC)
R8 and National RST
National
U.S. EPA led Programs and Initiatives
CRWU, AWOP,
Cybersecuritv, GLO,
Closing America's WW
Access Gap Initiative,
Engineering Support
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ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
INNOVATION
CENTER
R
Environmental Policy Innovation Center
The Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) seeks to advance innovative policies that provide equitable
access to safe, reliable, and affordable water for communities and nature to thrive. EPIC engages with diverse
partners, conducts data analysis and research, explores out-of-box solutions, champions policy change, and
provides technical assistance to address disparities across water systems. Some of the initiatives for building an
equitable water future include replacing lead pipes, reforming SRF policies, and supporting diverse water sector
leadership and training opportunities.
EPIC's Funding Navigator team, in close collaboration with national and place-based partners, works with
communities to identify, develop, and ultimately implement projects. The Funding Navigator program is
designed to support organizations that have jurisdiction to administer public funds related to drinking water
provision, wastewater conveyance and treatment, stormwater management, and general water resources
stewardship. An eligible entity is defined by the EPA, and may include a local government, municipal authority,
public utility, non-profit entity, or jurisdiction that is not currently part of a water or wastewater service area but
is seeking to join one.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Project management, stakeholder coordination, community outreach and engagement
Water, wastewater, and stormwater capital improvement and financial planning, including regional
solutions
Community-centered, sustainable, and resilient project development
Lead service line replacement: inventories, equitable replacement plans, communications
Funding application development
Website: https://www.policvinnovation.org/
Contact: Denise Schmidt (denise(5)policvinnovation.org) or Steve Barr (sbarr(5)policvinnovation.org)
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MOONSHOT
MISSIONS
Moonshot Missions
Moonshot Missions (Moonshot) is a collective of water leaders, professionals, and engineers with more than
250+ years of hard-earned experience with utility management, governance, community engagement,
engineering, operations, and finance.
Moonshot helps communities attain clean water by working collaboratively as trusted peer advisors. Using its
360° assessment process, Moonshot sends expert utility advisors into the field to assess conditions, and identify,
select, and develop technically and financially sound projects that transform utilities and the communities they
serve. Moonshot's utility veterans will translate the utility's aspiration to deliver clean, affordable, and resilient
water into a customized roadmap. This roadmap will provide a concrete, practical, and accessible route to
secure federal and state funding.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Profile: We do our homework. From day one, we can provide a good sense of your community, technical
operations, budget, and management systems.
Assessment: We practice humble listening to identify opportunities for improvement, including asset
management, capital planning, operational optimization, smart technologies, regionalization, resource
recovery, source water, water reuse and energy conservation, stormwater and green infrastructure,
climate resilience and carbon capture.
Menu: We deliver a menu of potential projects that improve performance and reduce costs, including
concept plans and review of budget and rate criteria and requirements.
Map: We help utility leadership choose suitable projects and develop a customized roadmap to
implementation, including preliminary eligibility and concept development and SRF application support.
Launch: We help utilities with project implementation, by providing design and construction oversight
and support, change management approaches, training, operating procedures, and monitoring.
Website: https://www.moonshotmissions.org/
Contact: Andy Koester (AndyK@moonshotmissions.org)
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National Water EFC
RCAP
Rural Community Assistance Partnership
The Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) is a national network of nonprofit partners with over 350
technical assistance providers across the country in all 50 states, the US Territories and on Tribal lands. RCAP
works to improve the quality of life in rural America, starting at the tap.
RCAP's team of boots on the ground TA providers across the country help communities by providing long-term
practical guidance and capacity-building expertise - from financial advice to environmental services such as
helping communities comply with federal and state regulations, and more. RCAP also provides interactive,
participant-based trainings on water, wastewater, solid waste disposal and economic development to equip
communities with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to manage their infrastructure, economic development
projects and ensure financial sustainability. These efforts seek to ensure every community has the resources
needed to thrive and sustain themselves now and into the future.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Asset management, mapping, capital improvement; regionalization; resilience, including resilience and
risk assessments and emergency response plans
Financial records management; project budget development / budgeting / finance options; rate studies
and costing; income surveys; financial sustainability - loan repayment / future rate and funding plans
Application package development including SRF and other funding eligibility conditions
Project and post-construction guidance and administrative support
Operations and Maintenance plans, Standard Operating Procedures updates, sampling and monitoring
plans, lead service lines (LSLs) and replacement plans
Website: https://www.rcap.org/
Contact: Sarah Buck (sbuck@rcap.org)
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US Water Alliance
US Water Alliance, or "the Alliance", is a national nonprofit dedicated to building a sustainable water future for
all. They believe in a One Water approach to water stewardship that emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, and
integration. In 2023, the Alliance became a national EFC. As an EFC, the Alliance will provide TA to communities
that have historically been underserved, helping them to access federal funds for drinking water, wastewater,
and stormwater infrastructure improvements. With expertise through their staff, partners, and consultants, this
technical assistance will be offered through four levels of support: managerial, financial, engineering, and
engagement. The Alliance's goal is to show in practice how capital investments by local utilities and
governments can be guided by community members to improve outcomes.
As a TA provider, the Alliance will help underserved communities plan for, obtain, and implement federal funds
in a way that furthers equity and delivers long-term benefits. While the exact work will vary depending on each
community's distinct water infrastructure needs and challenges, there will be some constants to the way the
Alliance approaches this work:
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Meaningfully engaging the community: It is essential that we begin our TA efforts by seeking to
understand the community's needs, building trust and capacity along the way. By opening lines of
communication with the community early on, we can seek input and provide updates throughout the
process, ensuring that the final product is one that promotes well-being for all.
Developing comprehensive plans: We want to ensure that the projects we help fund are not only
serving the community's immediate needs but are also sustained in the long term. To ensure this, we
develop comprehensive plans for the communities that we work alongside.
Pursuing environmental justice: Where there are historical injustices affecting water access and water
quality, we aim to address them. Advancing environmental justice is a key priority of ours, whether that
means involving the EPA Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights or addressing
infrastructure issues head-on through our work.
Website: https://uswateralliance.org/
Contact: Paula Conolly (pconolly@uswateralliance.org)
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id NEIWPCC
RST
New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission
The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) is a non-profit interstate agency
established through an act of Congress in 1947. NEIWPCC works to train environmental professionals, educate
the public about key environmental issues, coordinate activities and forums that encourage cooperation among
the states, support research projects, and provide overall leadership in the management and protection of
water. NEIWPCC is expertly qualified for this project due to their extensive experience with wastewater,
stormwater, and drinking water issues on a regional and national level, as well as providing in-person and online
operator training, and coordinating workshops and conferences. NEIWPCC is a leader in forming strong bonds
between environmental agencies and has a proven ability to bring diverse interest groups together, create
forums, and educate with innovative, multi-faceted curricula. Educating and training environmental
professionals, as well as facilitating collaboration among state, regional, and federal agencies, are key
components of NEIWPCC's mission of working for clean water.
Since 1968, NEIWPCC has been providing wastewater operator and other training programs across the
Northeast, and annually collaborates with EPA and state partners to present educational offerings and regional
workgroups. For over 50 years, they have received funding from the EPA to provide wastewater training under
the Clean Water Act §106 grant program. In partnership with the Joint Environmental Training Coordinating
Committee , NEIWPCC has administered the wastewater operator training and certification program for the
State of Maine since 1985. They have also provided this service in Massachusetts since 2003.
In addition to operator training, NEIWPCC also has a wealth of experience coordinating training programs,
workshops, and conferences for other water-related topics, including but not limited to residuals management,
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting, Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF),
emerging contaminants, monitoring and management of nutrients, source water protection, and Total
Maximum Daily Loads. NEIWPCC's staff develops and implements multiple regional and national training
programs each year on these and other issues.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Capacity building through self-paced training courses geared toward equipping rural and/or challenged
utilities with basic technical, financial, and managerial knowledge needed for effective management,
operation, and maintenance of their facilities.
Support in completing the EPA's Capacity, Management, Operations, and Maintenance (CMOM) self-
evaluation to identified facilities in need of TA.
Provide TA and access to guidance documents/resources to plan, prioritize, and execute needed CMOM
improvements.
Website: https://neiwpcc.org/
Contact: Dr. Christina Stringer (cstringerffineiwpcc.org)
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Anewin
| I C New England Water
B B B Infrastructure Network
Environmental Finance Center ~
Region 1 Multi-Media EFC
Region 1 Water EFC
New England Environmental Finance Center at the University of Southern Maine
Since 2001, the New England Environmental Finance Center (NEEFC) at the University of Southern Maine has
worked to build local capacity to pay for the growing costs of protecting critical environmental resources and
fostering resilient communities. The NEEFC has established the New England Water Infrastructure Network
(NEWIN) to provide free financial, managerial, and technical support for water infrastructure challenges across
all of New England and the region's ten federally recognized Tribes.
NEWIN's goal is to help communities access BIL funding for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and
nonpoint source pollution needs through the Clean Water and Drinking Water SRFs and other sources. NEWIN
will prioritize reaching disadvantaged communities, those with pressing water quality challenges, and water
systems that have not previously applied for SRF funding.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Stormwater management, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure management, and source
water protection
Climate adaptation and resilience planning
Developing sustainable financing solutions and identifying innovative funding sources
Serving environmental justice communities, stakeholder coordination, and training and leadership
development
Website: https://neefc.org/
Contact: Laura Collins (laura.collinsffimaine.edu)
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Hudson Valley Regional Council
The Hudson Valley Regional Council (HVRC) was established in 1977 as an organization of county governments in
New York comprising Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties. It's one
of 650 such regional planning and development boards in the United States, that in addition to providing a
regional perspective, offer education and outreach, TA , and advocacy to the communities they serve. The
organization is funded by several federal and state grant programs as well as an annual contribution from the
member counties.
HVRC provides education and outreach to local municipalities with respect to water quality planning and
stormwater management. The current focus is to assist municipalities with Drinking Water Source Protection
Plans, nine Element Watershed Management Plans, and education and outreach for municipal separate storm
sewer system (MS4) communities.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Outreach and educational training to assist municipalities apply for CWSRF funding
Project Planning (e.g. water quality planning)
Accessing federal funding opportunities for local projects related to economic development
Provide support for New York state's Clean Energy Communities and Climate Smart Communities
Programs
Website: https://hudsonvalleyregionalcouncil.org/
Contact: Carla Castillo (ccastillo(5)hudsonvallevrc.org)
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Environmental
Finance
Center
Syracuse University
Syracuse University
The Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center (SU EFC) facilitates the development of sustainable and
resilient communities throughout US EPA Region 2, which includes New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the US
Virgin Islands, and eight Tribal nations. Located at the Syracuse University Center for Sustainable Community
Solutions, SU EFC enhances the administrative and financial capacities of state and local government officials,
nonprofit organizations, and private sectors to make change toward improved environmental infrastructure and
SU EFC works with elected representatives and TA providers to determine the level of community knowledge of,
and support for, environmental improvement projects, including water and wastewater systems, drinking water
protection, sustainable materials management, land use planning, agricultural infrastructure, and energy
efficiency. This program bridges the gap between elected officials and the public by presenting factual
information from a neutral position. Outreach methods include public meetings, roundtable discussions,
technical assistance and training, and conferences and summits.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Community Engagement and stakeholder outreach (e.g. meeting facilitation, multi-stakeholder
engagement approaches, outreach and design services)
Needs assessments, studies, and analysis (e.g. survey, focus groups, planning and ordinance review,
asset inventories, etc.)
Climate Resilience and Readiness: Understanding vulnerabilities and planning for the future (e.g.
Scenario Planning, Hazard Mitigation, Climate Adaptation Planning)
Identification of funding and application assistance
Workforce planning (e.g. gap analysis, succession-planning, knowledge inventory)
Website: https://efc.syr.edu/
Contact: Tess Clark (pclark@syr.edu)
quality of life.
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Low Impact
Development
Center
Low Impact Development Center Inc.
The Low Impact Development (LID) Center is a non-profit national research organization that is committed to
supporting community-driven initiatives to better manage stormwater while achieving other environmental,
public health, social, and economic benefits. For 25 years, the LID Center's team of certified planners, engineers,
and landscape architects have helped communities look beyond what's always been done to envision how green
infrastructure can be incorporated into urban environments.
The LID Center's success is built on collaborative partnerships with communities, universities, and other service
providers and by thoughtfully designing nature into built environments. Although a new EFC, the LID Center
brings a strong group of nationally recognized leaders with direct experience providing TA to local governments
in key environmental media, including:
Environmental Infrastructure (e.g., flooding, water, wastewater, and stormwater)
Human Health (e.g., toxins and brownfields)
Ecosystems (e.g., watershed restoration, climate resilience, and adaptation)
The team includes the International City/County Management Association, the Susquehanna River Basin
Commission, and the University of the District of Columbia; a historically Black, urban land-grant institution and
the only public university in the nation's capital. Each member brings to the table direct experience providing TA
to local governments to develop, implement, and finance environmental action plans for a wide variety of
issues.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Flooding and stormwater management
Climate change resilience and adaptation
Water and wastewater management
Brownfields remediation and redevelopment
Watershed and ecosystem restoration and protection
Equitable urban planning and community engagement
Practitioner training
Implementation of demonstration project
Asset Management
Website: https://lowimpactdevelopment.org/
Contact: Emily Clifton, Associate Executive Director (ecliftonffilidcenter.org)
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ENVIRONMENTAL
FINANCE CENTER
Region 3 Multi-Media EFC
Region 3 Water EFC
University of Maryland
The Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland (EFC at UMD) advances finance solutions to
environmental challenges. With more than 25 years of experience, EFC at UMD works with communities to
protect natural resources by strengthening the capacity of decision makers to assess needs, develop effective
financing methods, and catalyze action. This program serves the states within EPA Region 3, which includes
Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia.
Through direct TA, policy analysis, and research, the EFC at UMD equips communities with the knowledge and
tools they need to create more sustainable environments, more resilient societies, and more robust economies.
Customized assistance can be provided to local governments on topics such as green infrastructure, resilience,
climate and energy, and stormwater finance. The EFC at UMD works directly with local government staff to
engage stakeholders, build consensus and identify shared priorities. Services include designing comprehensive
outreach campaigns, facilitating focus groups, conducting community surveys, and crafting strategies to finance
project implementation.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Climate adaptation and resilience planning/financing
Stormwater management and green infrastructure
Source water protection
Website: https://arch.umd.edu/research-creative-practice/centers/environmental-finance-center
Contact: Kristel Sheesley (sheeslevffiumd.edu) or Medessa Burian (msburianffiumd.edu)
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©UNC
SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT
Environmental Finance Center
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Environmental Finance Center (UNC EFC) reaches local
communities and state and federal programs through the delivery of applied training programs and TA, resource
and interactive tool development, and in-depth applied research on best and emerging practices. The UNC EFC
sees one of its major roles as increasing the capacity of other organizations to address the financial aspects of
environmental protection and service delivery. For this reason and to support the leveraging of resources, the
UNC EFC does most of its work in a collaborative mannerpartnering with established organizations that have
environmental but not necessarily financial expertise.
UNC EFC provides a variety of trainings and direct TA for systems providing drinking water and wastewater
services in EPA Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and
Tennessee) on topics ranging from financial sustainability, resiliency, benchmarking, affordability, and water
equity.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Financial Benchmarking
Rate-setting
Affordability and Customer Assistance Programs
Innovative Funding and Financing Strategies
Identification of and Communication with Financial Auditors
Website: https://efc.sog.unc.edu/
Contact: Austin Thompson-Spain (thompson(a)sog.unc.edu)
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MULTIMEDIA
mm Wd ENVIRONMENTAL
^ FINANCE CENTER
Region 4 Multi-Media EFC
Southeast Sustainability Directors Network
The Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN) is a collaborative community that develops sustainability
solutions to the South's unique sustainability challenges. SSDN's 120+ local and tribal government members
build knowledge and learn from colleagues about best practices to meet their community's needs. Members
working in all stages of sustainability implementation join the network to scale, accelerate, and implement
sustainable best practices so that our region's communities are equipped to adapt to and mitigate climate
change. SSDN provides capacity building through a peer-to-peer learning environment, and TA to access federal
funding and keep abreast of state policy.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Community outreach and facilitation: Our services include designing comprehensive outreach
campaigns, facilitating focus groups, conducting community surveys, and crafting strategies to finance
project implementation.
Capacity building: Through peer learning, training, and technical assistance, we assist local governments
on topics such as environmental justice, green infrastructure, resilience, climate and energy, and
drinking water, wastewater and stormwater finance.
Research, policy analysis and financial assessment: To foster data-driven decisions, we work with
communities to assess programs and policies, analyze budgets, develop financing strategies, and create
decision-support tools.
Website: https://www.southeastsdn.org/
Contact: Catherine Mercier-Baggett (catherine@southeastsdn.org)
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SERCAP, INC.
Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, Inc.
Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, Inc. (SERCAP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on
improving the quality of life for low-to-moderate income individuals living in the Southeast United States. Since
1969, when SERCAP first brought clean, safe drinking water to low-income rural residents of Virginia's Roanoke
Valley, the agency has grown into an organization directly responsible for providing safe water, sanitary water
disposal, and structurally sound housing to well over a million households across its seven-state service region.
SERCAP's work focused on access to clean water, but the agency quickly realized that water is just one of many
basic daily needs. Now SERCAP advocates to ensure all residents living in the agency's service region have daily
access to clean and affordable drinking water, working indoor plumbing and wastewater facilities, and safe and
affordable housing in which to live. SERCAP's services are for homeowners, government and community groups,
small business owners, and job and training seekers.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Emergency preparedness planning
Asset management
Budgeting for long-term system and equipment needs
Applications for funding
Website: https://sercap.org/
Contact: Charysse Hairston (chairstonffisercap.org)
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Tennessee Water Resources Research Center
The Tennessee Water Resources Research Center (TNWRRC) is a federally designated state research institute
supported in part by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). It serves water resource experts in academia,
government, and the private sector, and works to establish productive partnerships within these sectors.
TNWRRC is part of the Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment at the University of Tennessee,
Knoxville. TNWRRC's mission is to coordinate research, education, community outreach activities, and training
across the state of Tennessee among government agencies, universities, and private sector professionals.
TNWRRC is the state representative for the National Institutes for Water Resources, as authorized by Section
104 of the State Water Resources Research Act of 1984. TNWRRC is one of 54 water resources research
institutes and centers in the US. The State Water Resources Research Act Program is a Federal-State partnership
in which TNWRRC:
Is a primary link among water resource experts in academia, government, and the private sector that
strive to solve regional water resources issues in Tennessee
Promotes research, education, community outreach, and student training for scientists and engineers
through research participation
Provides state-wide annual competitive research grants under the 104b Program
Stimulates research collaboration among the USGS and state universities in support of the national
water resources issues funded through the 104g Program
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Asset Management and Capital Improvement Plans
Capacity Building and Training for Operators and Decision Makers
GIS Mapping and Hydraulic Modeling
SRF Funding, Financing, and Application Support
Utility Needs Assessment
Website: https://tnwrrc-dev.utk.edu/technical-assistance/actat-program/
Contact: Steven Hoagland (hoagland@utk.edu) and John Schwartz (jschwart@utk.edu)
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^ Michigan
Technological
University
Michigan Technological University - Great Lakes Environmental Infrastructure Center
Great Lakes Environmental Infrastructure Center (GLEIC) has been serving EPA Region 5 since 2016. It is
affiliated with Michigan Technological University's Department of Civil, Environmental and Geospatial
Engineering and is dedicated to serving local, state, and Tribal government agencies and their private-sector
partners in the Great Lakes region.
The GLEIC team is composed of subject matter experts ranging from civil, environmental, and geotechnical
engineers as well as experts in finance, economics, ecosystem evaluation, and sustainable energy. Other GLEIC
project staff include software engineers, technical writers, technical support specialists, conference planners, IT
professionals, and business and accounting staff. Based on the backgrounds of the GLEIC team members and the
perceived needs of the Great Lakes region, the main focus of the GLEIC is on water, wastewater, and storm
water infrastructure, especially for small and rural communities.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Engineering assessments
Seminars and trainings
Asset management
Feasibility studies
Website: http://gleic.org
Contact: Tim Colling (tkcolling@mtu.edu)
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delta
institute
Delta Institute
Delta Institute collaborates with communities to solve complex environmental challenges throughout the
Midwest. They address Midwestern environmental, economic, and climate challenges today so that their home
and region are more resilient, equitable, and innovative tomorrow.
Delta Institute assists communities by integrating natural climate solutions and Green Infrastructure (Gl) to
reduce climate change impacts by capturing 100 million stormwater gallons and leveraging $100 million in
municipal Gl investment.
Delta Institute's primary focus is on communities that are disproportionately affected by flooding, infrastructure
needs, and climate change to collaboratively improve their environmental indicators, mitigate local climate
impacts, and strengthen neighborhoods' resilience.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Stormwater Management and Green Infrastructure
Water Infrastructure Assessment and Recommendations
BIL Funding, Federal, State, and Private Grant Financing and Assistance
Community Engagement and Outreach
Design & Engineering, Implementation, and Administration Assistance
Website: https://delta-institute.org/epa-region-5-water-infrastructure/
Contact: Bill Schleizer (delta(Sdelta-institute.org)
A
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Region 5 Water EFC
Great Lakes
COMMUNITY ACTION
PARTNERSHIP
Great Lakes Community Action Partnership
Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) has been serving the northwest Ohio area for more than 50
years. GLCAP began in 1965 following the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which helped create hundreds of
community action agencies throughout the United States.
Through GLCAP's RCAP Program the agency serves a seven-state network that includes Illinois, Indiana,
Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Wisconsin (5 of these states are within the US EPA Region 5
region). The RCAP program, which has been in existence since 1973, assists rural low-income individuals and
underserved populations in developing and maintaining community infrastructure to improve rural quality of
life. Building on its water and wastewater program base, GLCAP has also become increasingly active in economic
and broad-based community development initiatives. RCAP staff provide hands on TA and training to help build
the technical, managerial, and financial capacity of rural communities.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Needs assessment, problem identification.
Project development, planning and application preparation.
Evaluating existing systems for alternatives.
Financial planning for project (engineering, etc.) costs.
Budget and rate evaluations.
Environmental & NEPA assessments, asset management plans.
Website: https://www.glcap.org/about/
Contact: Kristin Woodall (klwoodall (Sglcap.org)
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SOUTHWEST
ENVIRONMENTAL
FINANCE CENTER
Southwest Environmental Finance Center at the University of New Mexico
Based at the University of New Mexico, the Southwest Environmental Finance Center (SW EFC) serves the states
within EPA Region 6, which includes New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Since the program
was established in 1992, the SW EFC has greatly expanded its work to serve throughout the entire country,
including U.S. territories.
The SW EFC assists state, local, Tribal governments and the regulated private sector in meeting environmental
infrastructure needs and achieving regulatory compliance through state and local capacity building and technical
information transfer. The organization involves their partners as an integral part of the projects so there can be
improvement within internal capabilities for long-term sustainability and resilience. SW EFC has worked with
water and wastewater utilities for over 20 years providing a variety of technical, managerial, and financial
services.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Capacity Development (asset management, water loss, GIS/mapping support, LSL inventory), Project
development (preliminary engineering reports, environmental review)
Explore funding options and application support
Construction management, bid support, change order review, domestic preference & Davis Bacon
assistance
Website: https://swefc.unm.edu/home/
Contact: swefc@unm.edu
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DMACC
DES MOINES AREA
COMMUNITY COLL
Des Moines Area Community College
The Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Water Environmental Technology Program offers
comprehensive training for water and wastewater management. Whether you want to start a career in water,
continue learning, gain certifications, or obtain continuing education for septic system installation and
inspections, DMACC has something for everyone.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Fluent in course & curriculum development and delivery utilizing several platforms such as PowerPoint,
Google Slides, Canvas, Blackboard, Teams, Zoom, etc.
Management of course scheduling, locations, technology, and training materials.
Skilled at using social media and mass email promotion of programs and courses.
Knowledge of a wide variety of onsite wastewater topics.
Established cohort of onsite wastewater professionals across Iowa to access for instructors and content
experts.
Website: https://www.dmacc.edu/Pages/welcome.aspx
Contact: Aimee Devereaux (adevereaux@dmacc.edu)
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w§a
Wichita State
University
Hugo Wall School
of Public Affairs
Region 7 Multi-Media EFC
Region 7 Water EFC
Environmental Finance Center
Wichita State University
The Environmental Finance Center at Wichita State University Environmental (EFC WSU) was established in 2010
to assist Region 7 states (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska) and adjoining Tribal nations. EFC WSU seeks to help
communities build capacity to address environmental challenges through planning, environmental finance, and
informed decision-making.
EFC WSU provides trainings, TA, decision support tools, and applied research to help communities effectively
manage the costs of environmental protection and compliance. EFC WSU's vision is that communities are
empowered to take actions that enhance their environmental and financial health to improve the quality of life
for everyone.
The EFC WSU is also home to the Heartland Environmental Justice Center (HEJC). The HEJC supports
underserved and disadvantaged communities in Region 7 build capacity to make meaningful advances towards
environmental equity. The HEJC can assist with community assessments to identify the root of environmental
justice challenges, connect to funding opportunities, and support communities throughout the process of
applying for, managing, and implementing grant-funded initiatives.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Infrastructure, SRF , grant/loan planning and application processes
Asset management, capital improvement planning, rate setting, financial planning and capacity building
Community engagement including messaging, outreach and education, trust-building, and boards and
council trainings
Environmental justice, sustainability, resilience, workforce development (cross-training, retention, and
recruitment)
Wastewater treatment optimization including compliance, mechanical processes, nutrient removal,
water loss, and energy efficiency
Website: https://www.wichita.edu/efc and www.heartlandej.org
Contact: Baylee Vieyra (bavlee.vievraffiwichita.edu)
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A
NATIONAL
RURAL WATER
ASSOCIATION
NRWA Americas Largest Utility Membership
Region 8 Multi-Media EFC
Region 8 Water EFC
National Rural Water Association
The National Rural Water Association (NRWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to training, supporting, and
promoting the water and wastewater professionals that serve small and rural communities across the country.
NRWA provides training and technical assistance through fifty affiliated State Rural Water Associations that
currently have over 31,000 utility system members. Rural water T&TA covers every aspect of operating,
managing, and financing water and wastewater utilities. NRWA generally focuses on assisting small and rural
communities that serve less than 10,000 people. However, state associations work in different ways with all
sized systems, with many large cities demonstrating their support for rural water as members.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Diagnose and troubleshoot system operational and compliance-related issues and identify cost-effective
solutions
Address microbial, nitrate/nitrite, arsenic, radionuclides, per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances,
disinfection byproducts contamination, and other emerging contaminants
Provide guidance on lead and copper revisions and topics related to lead in water, including TA with lead
service line inventories and removal
Improve long-term management using Community Assistance Programs and Low Income Household
Water Assistance Programs
Identify and apply for funding sources
Prepare for climate-related and manmade disasters and develop Risk and Resiliency Assessments and
Emergency Response plans
Website: https://nrwa.org/
Contact: David Laughlin (david@nrwa.org) for EFC work and Audrey Whitefeather (Audrey@nrwa.org) for the
Training & Technical Assistance grant
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ENVIRONMENTAL
FINANCE
0 CENTER
Region 9 Multi-Media EFC
AT SACRAMENTO STATE
EFC at California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State)
The EFC at Sacramento State serves state and local agencies, water systems, Tribal communities, and the private
sector in EPA Region 9 states and territories, including California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific
territories. This organization has provided services and resources for building the capacity to improve and
maintain drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects and programs, as well as plan for future needs as
regulations, technology, and resources change. The EFC is housed within Sacramento State's Office of Water
Programs, whose mission is to provide cost-effective solutions for protecting and enhancing water resources,
public health, and the environment through training, scientific research, and public education.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Funding applications for planning and constructing infrastructure projects
Asset management program planning and implementation, including GIS mapping
General TA for Tribes and small or disadvantaged communities
Program support for state regulatory and funding agencies
Coordination of funding forums and asset management training
Website: https://www.efc.csus.edu/
Contact: efc@csus.edu
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HAWAI'I COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION
"I 1# Amplify the Power of Giving
Region 9 Water EFC
Hawai'i Community Foundation
The Hawai'i Community Foundation (HCF) is a tax-exempt Hawai'i nonprofit corporation and statewide
community foundation whose mission is to inspire generosity, advocate for equity, forge connections and invest
in community to create a better Hawaii.
HCF created the CHANGE Framework to facilitate a common way of understanding the most critical issues
affecting Hawai'i. HCF's theory of change is that only by acting collectively using a common set of data and
shared goals can we effectively solve large-scale issues and create a better Hawai'i now and for future
generations. HCF is a trusted community partner throughout the State of Hawai'i, with more than 100 years of
work helping the people of Hawai'i thrive.
The Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center (HIEFC) uses its unique position as a community convener
for systems change, and leader of the state's Fresh Water Initiative for the last nine years, to support community
groups that are made up of or serve communities that are disadvantaged or vulnerable within the context of the
Hawaiian Islands.
HIEFC aims to build core competencies for these entities focused on (1) Funding Resources - helping entities to
apply for various streams of funding for water infrastructure needs, and (2) Water Workforce - workforce
development in the water sector to ensure labor needed to design, implement, and maintain water
infrastructure in the long-term, including labor force assessment and the establishment of a program to place
fellows at water agencies.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Needs assessment and recommendations
Capacity building and training
Project development and planning
Application preparation and registrations
Grant management
Website: https://www.hawaiianislandsefc.org/
Contact: HIEFC@hcf-hawaii.org
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gfeRCAC
www.rcac.org
Rural Community Assistance Corporation
Founded in 1978, Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization,
headquartered in West Sacramento, California. RCAC's employees serve rural communities in Alaska, Arizona,
California, Colorado, Hawaii and other Pacific islands, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah,
Washington and Wyoming. Services are available to communities with populations of fewer than 50,000, other
nonprofit groups, Tribal organizations, farmworkers, colonias and other specific populations.
RCAC focuses programs and services on environmental infrastructure (water, wastewater and solid waste
facilities), affordable housing development, economic and leadership development, and community
development finance. RCAC works directly with rural communities "on the ground", providing environmental
assistance to small municipal and nonprofit water systems, wastewater systems and solid waste management
programs.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Provide hands-on TA to address technical, managerial, and financial operations of water and wastewater
systems serving rural and Indigenous communities
Complete all tasks necessary to submit funding applications and meet requirements of grants or loans
received
Analyze utility rates and finances to recommend appropriate rate structures to meet community needs
Facilitate regional partnerships among utilities and communities
Host in-person and online training for utility staff, management, boards, and community members on a
variety of technical, managerial and financial topics
Website: https://www.rcac.org/
Contact: Ari Neumann (aneumannffircac.org)
Region 10 Multi-Media EFC
Region 9 & 10 Water EFC
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ALASKA
g MUNICIPAL
LEAGUE
Alaska Municipal League
The Alaska Municipal League (AML) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, statewide organization of 165 cities, boroughs,
and unified municipalities, representing over 97 percent of Alaska's residents. AML's purpose is to strengthen
Alaska's local governments. AML has a long history in supporting local governments, as they were established in
1950, with a goal to modernize territorial governance in municipalities.
AML provides numerous programs, services, and resources for local government, as well as advocacy on policy
issues that impact Alaska's municipalities. This includes shared services, annual conferences and symposiums,
ongoing communication with and advocacy on behalf of their members, and responsive technical assistance and
training. AML supports collaboration from grant application through project implementation, especially with BIL
funding. Many local governments have direct responsibility in managing water and sewer systems and are
challenged with capacity and sustained competency issues, especially in rural and remote communities. AML
provides support for municipal financial and governance systems, with a focus on those unserved or
underserved communities.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Provide direct TA through community-based planning, development, and financial workshops.
Develop and deliver information, training materials and courses related to successfully funding and
financing environmental projects eligible for funding under the CWSRF.
Work with publicly owned treatment works and decentralized wastewater treatment systems to
conduct analyses on the potential benefits of partnerships and collaboration.
Assist municipalities with planning processes that identify community goals and seek to have
infrastructure investments consider and as appropriate support broader community goals, through
processes such as augmented alternative analysis.
Work in close coordination with State agencies and Tribal systems in Alaska, utilizing a long-established
relationship with Alaska's local governments.
Website: https://www.akml.org/
Contact: Nils Andreassen (nilsffiakml.org). Executive Director, Erin Reinders (erinffiakml.org). Director of
Infrastructure Development, and Angela Engelkes (angelaffiakml.org). Local Government Assistant Manager
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RST
pprc
POLLUTION PREVENTION
resource center
Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center
The Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC) aims to reduce or prevent the generation of
pollution at its source through the dissemination of reliable, impartial, high-quality technical information,
training, and services. PPRC is recognized for its technical expertise in solving problems that lead to a healthier
and more sustainable environment, while helping businesses improve their economic performance.
PPRC conducts pollution prevention assessments and training that raise awareness of a business' environmental
footprint, and potential solutions to environmental challenges. PPRC is available to directly assist with
implementation of selected improvement opportunities.
One of PPRC's project, the Western States Alliance, is wholly dedicated to water treatment professionals
working with Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) abatement programs, plus contaminants of emerging concern.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Training wastewater treatment professionals on how to implement a FOG abatement program, through
teaching the business case, data management, engaging partners, best management practices, and
strategies to reduce FOG into the conveyance system.
TA with implementation of a FOG abatement program, including using data management systems to
track progress.
Providing networking opportunities, including roundtables and regional meetings.
Providing bilingual training.
Website: https://www.pprc.org/ and https://www.westernstatesalliance.org/
Contact: Jean Waters, Program Manager (jwaters@pprc.org) or Ed Gonzalez, Director (egonzalez@pprc.org)
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EPA's Creating Resilient Water Utilities Initiative
EPA's Creating Resilient Water Utilities (CRWU) initiative provides drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater
(water sector) utilities with practical tools, training, and technical assistance to increase resilience to climate
change. CRWU supports water sector utilities by promoting a clear understanding of climate change and
assisting with the identification potential adaptation measures, implementation options, and infrastructure
financing.
Using the Resilient Strategies Guide and Climate Resilience and Awareness Tool, water sector utility owners and
operators can begin the process of assessing climate risk from these events. EPA's CRWU initiative engages
utilities in a one-on-one TA process with substantial subject matter expertise and facilitation support
throughout. CRWU assists by promoting a clear understanding of climate change and helps to identify potential
long-term adaptation options for decision-making related to implementation and infrastructure financing.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Provide direct TA to drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities conducting climate change risk
assessments
Support use and adoption of practical tools and data to increase climate resilience of utilities and the
communities that rely on their services
Promote a clear understanding of complex climate science and potential long-term adaptation options
through water utility training and community engagement
Leverage training and assistance efforts to build resilience and adaptive capacity in communities that
have experienced and will continue to bear disproportionate climate change impacts
Educate utilities on potential funding sources for implementation of potential adaptive measures
Website: https://www.epa.gov/crwu
Contact: Curt Baranowski (baranowski.curtffiepa.gov)
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EPA's Area-Wide Optimization Program
The Area-Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) provides tools and approaches for drinking water systems to
meet water quality optimization goals and provide an increased - and sustainable - level of public health
protection to their customers.
AWOP tools can also be utilized to provide compliance assistance through optimization, particularly for small-
and medium-sized systems. The program teaches problem-solving skills designed to improve operations at
drinking water systems without costly capital improvements. For some systems (e.g., especially those with
inadequate or aging water infrastructure) the program approach may identify needed capital improvements.
Other systems may be able to meet optimization goals with their existing treatment and infrastructure.
The optimization goals are more stringent than the regulations and state participation in AWOP is voluntary.
Realizing the many benefits the program provides, a growing number of states from each EPA Region currently
implements an ("Area Wide") optimization program.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Engage EPA Regions and states to develop tools and systematic approaches to improve water quality
and overall system performance, concurrently identifying gaps and needs for capital improvement
Provide training related to best practices and operational strategies for PWS operators and TA providers
intended to improve treated and distributed water quality
Focus on both regulated and emerging contaminants
Website: https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/optimization-program-drinking-water-svstems
Contact: Rick Lieberman (lieberman.richard@epa.gov) or Alison Dugan (dugan.alison@epa.gov)
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EPA's Cybersecurity Technical Assistance
The Cybersecurity Technical Assistance Program will support primacy agencies and water systems in
implementing cybersecurity measures. Users may submit questions or request to consult with a subject matter
expert regarding cybersecurity in Public Water System (PWS) sanitary surveys or other cybersecurity matters.
EPA also provides resources for cybersecurity risk assessments, planning, training, response, and funding.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Engage EPA Regions and states to develop tools and systematic approaches to improve water quality
and overall system performance, concurrently identifying gaps and needs for capital improvement
Provide training related to best practices and operational strategies for PWS operators and TA providers
intended to improve treated and distributed water quality
Focus on both regulated and emerging contaminants
Website: https://www.epa.gov/waterresilience/epa-cybersecurity-water-sector
Contact: Nushat Thomas (thomas.nushatffiepa.gov)
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EPA's Get the Lead Out (GLO) Initiative
The Get the Lead Out (GLO) Initiative takes lessons learned/best practices from the LSLR Accelerators pilot
program and will expand LSLR WaterTA to 200 additional underserved and disadvantaged communities. The
objective of the GLO Initiative is to provide TA to accelerate the removal of lead pipes and help connect
communities to federal funding through the BIL.
EPA is considering multiple factors in community selection, including overall community need (prioritizing
disadvantaged or underserved communities), the presence of LSLs, and readiness to receive TA. Communities of
any size with LSL's, or service lines (SL's) with unknown materials in their distribution system and that are served
by a SRF eligible public water system may be considered to receive TA through the GLO Initiative. Communities
can request LSLR TA completing the WaterTA request form. EPA will coordinate with the states to determine
communities most in need of GLO's TA services.
The services provided under the GLO initiative will be conducted by EPA, including its contractors, and in
coordination with states and water systems.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
EPA will provide engineering and project management support to assist communities in developing:
o LSL Inventories that meet 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions requirements deadline;
o Community Engagement Plans that invite community input, provide educational resources, and
engage affected community members while identifying and replacing LSLs;
o LSLR plans to provide each municipality a roadmap for 100% identification and full LSLR,
including public and private portions; and
o SRF Applications to help communities fund their SL replacement. Each recipient will receive a
customized plan to facilitate their work with the state,
o Additionally, EPA will develop tools and case studies to share information and best practices
between the agency, state and Tribal programs, water system managers, and community
leaders.
Website: https://www.epa.gov/water-infrastructure/get-lead-out-initiative
Contact: Alex Horansky (Horanskv.Alexffiepa.gov)
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EPA's Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap Initiative
An estimated 2.2 million people in the U.S. lack basic running water and indoor plumbing in their homes.
Inadequate and failing wastewater infrastructure poses direct health risks to families and stymies economic
growth and community vitality.
In August 2022, the EPA and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in collaboration with states and Tribes,
partnered on the Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap Community Initiative. EPA and USDA jointly
leveraged TA resources to help historically underserved communities identify, and pursue, federal funding
opportunities to address their wastewater needs.
Building on the success of the initial pilot program, which assisted 11 underserved communities, EPA is
expanding the Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap Initiative to 150 additional communities across Rural
America. This programalong with historic funding availability through the BIL and other federal funding
programs for water infrastructurewill change the odds for rural communities who are burdened by the lack of
adequate wastewater services.
Communities with inadequate, non-existent or failing wastewater infrastructure would be eligible for help
through this program. Recipients of technical assistance will access solutions-oriented guidance that focuses on
community's wastewater needs. Participating communities will be matched with a TA provider that has
expertise specific to the community's needs with septic systems and wastewater management. They will help
identify financial options to improve wastewater infrastructure including finding funding sources.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Assess the community's wastewater needs.
Evaluate the feasibility of wastewater solutions, including performing a rate study.
Identify funding options, such as grants and financing.
Help with completing the preliminary engineering and paperwork requirements for funding applications.
Assist the community/county with establishing an ordinance for wastewater management.
Website: https://www.epa.gov/water-infrastructure/closing-americas-wastewater-access-gap
Contact: Zach Lowenstein (Lowenstein.Zacharvffiepa.gov)
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EPA's WaterTA Engineering Support
An individual community or TA Provider can request WaterTA Engineering Support to help fill any gaps in
accessing federal funding for water infrastructure projects.
Goals for Engineering Support:
Support projects that are eligible for Drinking Water or CWSRF funding with deliverables that can
support an SRF application
Support communities that have not historically accessed the SRF
Support is consistent with the guidance outlined in the Implementation of EPA Water Technical
Assistance Memorandum
EPA's WaterTA Engineering Support is intended to facilitate community access to SRF resources with a focus on
disadvantaged and underserved communities, communities that have never accessed SRF funding before, and
communities that are not currently receiving an equivalent kind of TA.
Main skills and expertise provided through this WaterTA program:
Development of Project Needs Assessments
Development of Preliminary Engineering Reports
Additional engineering support may be available on a case-by-case basis
Website: https://www.epa.gov/water-infrastructure/waterta-engineering-support
Contact: Submit requests to EPA's Water Technical Assistance Request Form
Danusha Chandy, Office of Wastewater Management (Chandv.Danushaffiepa.gov)
Tyler Barber, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (Barber.Tvlerffiepa.gov)
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Abbreviations
AML Alaska Municipal League
AWOP Area-Wide Optimization Program
BIL Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
CMOM Capacity, Management, Operations, and Maintenance
CRWU Creating Resilient Water Utilities
CWSRF Clean Water State Revolving Fund
DMACC Des Moines Area Community College
DWSRF Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
EFC Environmental Finance Center
EFC at UMD Environmental Finance Center at University of Maryland
EFC WSU Environmental Finance Center of Wichita State University
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
EPIC Environmental Policy Innovation Center
Gl Green Infrastructure
GLCAP Great Lakes Community Action Partnership
GLEIC Great Lakes Environmental Infrastructure Center
GLO Get the Lead Out Initiative
HCF Hawaii Community Foundation
HEJC Heartland Environmental Justice Center
HIEFC Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center
HRVC The Hudson Valley Regional Council
LID Low Impact Development
LSLR Lead Service Line Replacement
MM Multi-Media
Moonshot Moonshot Missions
NEEFC New England Environmental Finance Center,
NEIWPCC New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission
NEWIN New England Water Infrastructure Network
NRWA National Rural Water Association
PPRC Pollution Prevention Resource Center
PWS Public Water System
R Region (as in EPA Region)
RCAC Rural Community Assistance Corporation
RCAP Rural Community Assistance Partnership
RST Rural, Small, and Tribal TA for Wastewater Systems
SERCAP Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project lnc._
SL Service Line
SRF State Revolving Fund
SSDN Southeast Sustainability Directors Network
SU EFC Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center
SW EFC Southwest Environmental Finance Center
T&TA Training & Technical Assistance for Small Systems
TNWRRC Tennessee Water Resources Research Center
UNC EFC University of North Carolina Environmental Finance Center
USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture
USGS U.S. Geological Survey
WaterTA Water Technical Assistance
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