svEPA

united states	USDA Rural Development

Environmental Protection —		r

Agency	U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Closing America's Wastewater
Access Gap Community Initiative

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Agriculture, Rural
Development (USDA) have grant and loan programs to help pay for wastewater infrastructure.
Recent increases in federal funding presents an important opportunity for communities to invest
in septic upgrades, nearby community systems, or sewer connections. A team of EPA, USDA, and
technical assistance providers are working with 11 communities in 7 southern and southwestern
states to help find affordable solutions to areas where there are failing systems. Through providing
technical assistance, the goal of this initiative is to help position the communities to find affordable
solutions for their residents and to create a roadmap for other communities in the future.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

About 2.2 million people in the U.S. lack either running
water or indoor plumbing, or both. Approximately 20
percent of U.S. residents depend on septic systems for
wastewater treatment. While septic systems can be
effective when properly designed and maintained,
many of those systems may be failing, leading to
environmental and public health concerns. Households
generate sewage, or wastewater, through toilet flushing,
dishwashing, bathing, and other daily activities, and
that wastewater needs to be treated. Untreated
wastewater presents a health risk to families, affects
water resources, and slows economic growth in a
community.

WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS?

There are many ways to treat wastewater, with different
solutions for different community goals and site
conditions. Septic system upgrades are one option that
work well in certain soils. Shared community systems
are another option. Additionally, if an existing sewer
plant is available nearby, connecting to a sewer system
may be the right answer.

-------
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF
WASTEWATER TREATMENT?

Proper wastewater treatment is important for
protecting the environment and human health.
Functioning sewer and septic systems collect and treat
wastewater so it doesn't end up surfacing where people
live and work, polluting rivers, or contacting drinking
water supplies. Properly maintained septic systems
and sewer infrastructure also help support property
values, protect recreational areas, support tourism, and
improve business opportunities.

WHAT IS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE?

Technical assistance providers
help communities identify and
plan for wastewater solutions,
provide education and
outreach, and apply for
funding. This is important for
areas where there is limited
staffing and resources.
EPA and USDA are partnering with technical
assistance providers—the National Rural Water
Association, the Southwest Environmental Finance
Center, and the Rural Community Assistance
Partnership—to provide on-the-ground support.

What steps are involved?

Where are the Communities?

ARIZONA

1.	San Carlos Apache Tribe

NEW MEXICO

2.	Chaparral, Dona Ana County

3.	Santo Domingo Pueblo

MISSISSIPPI

4.	Dunlap, Bolivar County

ALABAMA

5.	Greene County

6.	White Hall, Lowndes County

KENTUCKY

7.	Tri-Cities area, Harlan County

WEST VIRGINIA

8.	Keystone and Northfork,
McDowell County

9.	Rhodell and Amigo,
Raleigh County

NORTH CAROLINA

10.	Haliwa-Saponi Tribe/
Halifax County

11.	Teachey and Wallace,
Duplin County

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE INITIATIVE?

This pilot will help communities get the information
and resources needed to identify the right type of
wastewater system(s) for its needs and to position it to
apply for federal funding. This is the first step toward
getting safe, effective, and affordable sanitation in the
communities participating in this initiative.

1.	Conduct a Community Wastewater Review. A team
will conduct an assessment on the existing wastewater
infrastructure in your community and identify areas of
need. They will meet with key local community members
and look at creating options to best set your community up
for success.

2.	Develop a Community Wastewater Solutions Plan.

The solutions plan offers early recommendations for
wastewater treatment. A solutions plan may compare
septic and offsite or cluster options and their costs, provide
a path to apply for funding, and identify long-term needs.
State and local officials and community members will play
a key role in plan development.

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE?

The Initiative will equip the participating
communities with the information they need to
apply for funding by Fall 2023. After that,
engineering, planning, and construction timelines
will vary.

3.	Help Communities Identify and Seek Funding
Opportunities. The solutions plan is to help
participating communities find federal funding
sources and gather the information needed to apply.
This includes looking for innovative ways to pay for
construction and long-term costs.

4.	Develop a Plan to Pay for Ongoing Costs. The

solutions plan will include real ways to help pay for
construction and ongoing costs that can lead to a
successful, long-term solution.



?

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

Local Point(s) of Contact:

For more information, email WaterTAtaepa.gov or visit
epa.gov/water-infrastructure/water-technical-assistance

-------