The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $30 million in grant funding to support drinking water and wastewater systems in small and rural communities. The funding is part of the Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) initiative.
The program will provide technical assistance and training to improve water system operations and infrastructure management. Supported activities include engineering and design services, operational support, workforce development, and financial management. The initiative will also assist private well owners in improving drinking water quality.
The funding comes from federal allocations under the RealWaterTA initiative. The EPA expects to award up to five grants, totaling approximately $30.7 million. Eligible recipients include nonprofit organizations, public institutions, and universities. These entities will work directly with small systems and communities to deliver services.
The program is currently open for applications for a 30-day period. Selected organizations will support compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and strengthen wastewater system performance. Implementation timelines will depend on award distribution and project rollout.
The initiative targets small systems that serve fewer than 10,000 people, which represent more than 90% of U.S. water systems. The funding will help address challenges such as aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, and limited financial capacity.