Newsletter #412 for August 19, 2025

EPA Announces $9 Million in Grants to Boost Water System Resilience

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $9 million grant program designed to help midsize and large public water systems improve their resilience against natural hazards and cybersecurity threats. This funding opportunity is part of the Midsize and Large Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Grant Program, which targets systems serving 10,000 or more people. The goal is to support infrastructure upgrades that protect drinking water from extreme weather events and cyberattacks.

Eligible public water systems can apply for funding through grants.gov, where applications will be accepted for 60 days. EPA has also released a new report titled “Securing the Future of Water: Addressing Cyber Threats Today,” which outlines key recommendations to enhance cybersecurity in the water sector. These include leadership training, technical assistance, webinars, integration of cybersecurity into operator certification programs, and collaboration with state Chief Information Officer offices.

This initiative comes at a time when cyberattacks on water systems are becoming more frequent and severe, posing risks to public health and essential services. By offering both financial support and strategic guidance, EPA aims to help communities and industries nationwide safeguard access to clean and reliable drinking water.

To apply for EPA’s Midsize and Large Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Grant Program, applicants must:

• Be a public water system serving at least 10,000 people.

  • EPA has allocated 50% of the available funds for systems serving between 10,000 and 99,999 people, and the remaining 50% for systems serving 100,000 or more.

• Choose a project that complies with the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act.

  • Which mandates that iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in the project be produced in the United States.

  • If compliance is not feasible, applicants may request a waiver.

• Submit a comprehensive proposal through grants.gov.

  • Opportunity Number: EPA-OW-OGWDW-25-01.

  • The proposal should clearly describe the project or program that will be planned and implemented. It must identify the specific natural hazard, extreme weather event, or cybersecurity threat the project aims to address, and explain how the proposed work will enhance resilience or reduce vulnerability to those risks.

• Include any supporting documentation that demonstrates the relevance and urgency of the project. 

  • This includes evidence from a federal, state, regional, or local agency that confirms the risk to the area where the project will be located.

• Describe any relevant recent events.

  • Such as floods, droughts, or cyberattacks—that have impacted the water system and highlight how the proposed project will mitigate future occurrences.

For more information, visit EPA’s program overview page or read the full cybersecurity report (PDF). For full details on the application process, consult the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF), which outlines all requirements and evaluation criteria.

The deadline for submission is October 6, 2025.

Unlocking Rural Prosperity: The Rural Funding Guide is Here

The Rural Funding Guide has been introduced by the Partners for Rural Transformation (PRT) to address the longstanding issue of underinvestment in rural America. This guide offers practical strategies to help public and private funders effectively invest in rural communities. It emphasizes the importance of equitable systems and strong local partnerships to ensure that funding reaches the areas that need it most. The guide aims to inspire funders, policymakers, and advocates to reinvest in rural America and support its prosperity.

Below is a summary of the eight practices that inform how public and private funders can invest in rural prosperity:

1. Put Community Voice First: Ensure that the voices of local community members drive development efforts, rather than generating buy in for a pre-determined idea.
2. Build Community Adaptability: Enhance the ability of communities to adapt and respond to changing circumstances and economic conditions.
3. Support Regional Approaches: Invest in initiatives that benefit multiple communities and leverage regional strengths and assets.
4. Form Trusted Partnerships: Develop strong, trust-based relationships with local communities through direct engagement and collaboration.
5. Make Capital Accessible: Simplify the process of accessing funds to reduce barriers for rural applicants.
6. Increase Flexible Capital: Provide operational funding that allows local leaders to address specific community needs and invest in long-term solutions.
7. Grow Grant Capital: Increase the availability and scale of grants to support comprehensive community development.
8. Provide Multi-Year Support: Offer consistent, long-term funding to enable sustainable development and allow for thorough planning and implementation.

Featured Video

The Hidden Benefits of Hydrant Flushing

Rural Community Assistance Partnership - RCAP

"Hydrant flushing is an essential part of every utility’s maintenance program. This short video highlights why hydrant flushing matters and how it benefits both the community and the utility’s infrastructure."

Featured Video

From 3 A.M. Sampler to Water Leader: Dante Payne’s Journey in Philly

waterloop

"Meet Dante Payne of the Philadelphia Water Department!

Dante Payne used to wake up at 3 a.m. to collect water samples across Philadelphia.

Now, he leads the team that tests every drop of new and repaired water infrastructure in the city.

As a Water Quality Control Manager, Dante’s work ensures public health—but his deeper impact is on people. He’s mentoring the next generation of water professionals, helping entry-level science techs turn their first job into a lasting career.

“This is where I started, this is where I’m going, and this is how you get there,” says Dante.

Dante was a participant in the Water Center at Penn’s Regional Network Collaborative for Water Leadership."

Featured Events

In the News

• Arizona, Nevada, Mexico face Colorado River supply cuts for third straight year | The Hill
  
• Are 'forever chemicals' in your town's drinking water? | USA Today
  
• Can Colorado Recycle Toxic Water from Oil and Gas Drilling Without Increasing Emissions? | Inside Climate News
  
• Boil water order drags on in Paterson, N.J., as crews tackle century-old main break | Underground Infrastructure
  
• Funding for water reuse system in southern Utah approved | ABC 4
  
• Amid strong opposition, New Mexico water board lets plan for more oil and gas wastewater use proceed | Source New Mexico
  
• 3M's PFAS litigation far from over, billions more in settlements likely | Lexington Herald Leader
  
• How data centers can solve their water consumption challenge | Water Technology Online
  
• Scientists make astounding breakthrough that could help solve water pollution crisis: 'A promising alternative' | The Cool Down
  
  • Indigenous bacteria as potential agents for trace metal remediation in industrial wastewater | Nature
    
• A Photographer Brings New York City’s Water System to the Surface | Hyperallergic
  

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