WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $30.7 million in grant funding to provide training and technical assistance that will improve water quality in small and rural communities across the country. This support helps ensure that every American has access to clean and safe water and advances the goals of Administrator Lee Zeldin’s “Powering the Great American Comeback” initiative.
“Small and rural communities are the backbone of our country and they face unique challenges when it comes to ensuring clean and safe water,” said EPA Senior Advisor Jessica Kramer. “EPA is committed to assisting small and rural communities with improving water quality, protecting health, bolstering economic opportunities and protecting water resources. This $30 million in funding for technical assistance will help communities address their unique needs.”
Funding for the training and technical assistance grant will be used for meeting technical, financial, and managerial needs at small public drinking water and wastewater systems to achieve and maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act. It will also assist private well owners with improving water quality, including testing for PFAS contamination. Additionally, these investments can be used to address challenges with onsite wastewater management (e.g., septic systems).