Newsletter #399 for March 4, 2025

Register for RCAP's Upcoming Conference

The National State Revolving Fund (SRF) Infrastructure Financing and Training Workshop serves as a platform for collaboration among the EPA, state SRF programs, technical assistance providers, and other stakeholders, including communities. The workshop aims to:

1. Share innovative approaches and best management practices for financing water and wastewater infrastructure, with a focus on assisting small systems through training and technical support.
2. Increase awareness of initiatives and new developments within the SRFs that address topics such as co-funding projects, accessing planning costs, and eligible projects that enhance both public and environmental health. 
3. Provide opportunities for networking and peer-to-peer development with partner organizations.

Important: This event was originally scheduled for March 24 – March 28, 2025, it will now be held during the week of August 18, 2025.

The new preliminary dates for the conference are August 18 – August 21, still hosted at the Grand Hyatt in Seattle, Washington.

Tap Talk

How Community Engineering Corps Serves Underserved America

In our latest episode of Tap Talk, our guest is Molly Sullivan, a Program Engineer at Community Engineering Corps (CECorps), a partnership that provides pro-bono engineering and consulting services for infrastructure projects to communities in the United States, the US Territories, and tribal lands. A significant portion of CECorps’ projects center on water and wastewater infrastructure, and Molly chats with Jennifer and Steve about their approach to helping underserved communities find and implement the solutions they need to thrive.

Texas Water Supply Endangered by Workforce Shortage

A recent report highlights a growing concern for Texas' water supply due to a significant labor shortage in the water and wastewater utilities sector. The Texas Water Foundation and Texas Rural Funders released the report, compiled by Jobs for the Future, which underscores the critical role of skilled workers in maintaining the state's water infrastructure.

The report warns that the next failure in Texas' water system could be exacerbated by workforce issues, such as unfilled positions leading to delayed repairs or inadequate training. The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is among the agencies facing these challenges, with a substantial portion of their workforce nearing retirement and a shortage of qualified replacements.

To address these issues, the report suggests developing regional training programs, integrating water careers into existing education initiatives, and establishing a dedicated water fund for infrastructure. SAWS has implemented a policy to retain employees by offering raises for new certifications, aiming to keep skilled workers within the organization.

The labor shortage poses a significant threat to Texas' water supply, already strained by climate change and a growing population. Addressing this issue is crucial for the state's economic growth and the sustainability of its water resources.

Read the full article: Labor shortage could threaten Texas water supply | Axios San Antonio

Featured Video

Saving Texas Springs: A Balance of Groundwater and Growth

waterloop

"Texas' iconic springs are facing growing pressure from urban development, groundwater pumping, and climate change, threatening the lifeline of both ecosystems and communities. But through sustainable aquifer management, conservation easements, and innovative policies, there is hope for keeping these vital waters flowing.  

This episode features conversations with Vanessa Puig Williams of the Environmental Defense Fund, Robert Mace of the University of Texas, and Tim Loftus of the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, exploring the science and strategies behind protecting Texas’ springs. 

The discussion covers how endangered species regulations have helped safeguard Barton Springs, the challenges of balancing private property rights with conservation, and the importance of setting caps on groundwater pumping. Other topics include the role of land conservation in sustaining spring flow, the rise of aquifer storage and recovery, and how community engagement is key to long-term water resilience."

Featured Events

In the News

• Colorado River negotiators express urgency, uncertainty as deadline nears | The Hill

• Portland announces construction pause at multi-billion-dollar water filtration site | KATU

• Montgomery County sues Dayton, alleging $14 million overcharge for water | WYSO

• California lawmaker proposes state-level ‘forever chemical’ limits | The Hill

• Fog harvesting could provide water for the driest cities | BBC

• Southern Minnesota cities receiving funding for water projects | KEYC

• 143 million Americans have ‘forever chemicals’ in their tap water | Fast Company

• Several solutions in place to eliminate odor in Bloomington’s drinking water | 25NewsNow

• How Climate Change Puts the Safety of Drinking Water at Risk | Yale E360

• Deep Groundwater Might Be a Sustainable Solution to the Water Crisis | Eos

• Savannah government takes "forever chemical" users to court | Savannah Now

Recent Blog Posts at WaterOperator.org

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