DUNCAN, OKLAHOMA – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the launch of the Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) initiative on March 4, 2026.
With a “back to the basics” approach, RealWaterTA realigns the Office of Water’s mission to help communities stay in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Drinking Water Act through infrastructure improvements and technical assistance.
“NRWA applauds EPA and Assistant Administrator Kramer for the launch of the RealWaterTA initiative, refocusing on what rural utilities truly need. Returning to the core intent of the statutory requirements will restore trust, strengthen compliance, reduce public health violations, and deliver real benefits to rural communities,” said NRWA Chief Executive Officer Matt Holmes. “Congress has long supported grassroots, hands-on, onsite technical assistance through trusted peer-to-peer partnerships that result in creative, locally driven, and community-supported solutions. NRWA looks forward to continuing our work with EPA and small and rural communities across the country to deliver the effective, efficient assistance they want and need.”