On June 17, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $25.5 million in grant funding for technical assistance providers that help small, rural, and Tribal communities address wastewater infrastructure challenges and comply with the Clean Water Act. The funding supports the agency’s Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) initiative and flows through the Rural, Small, and Tribal Clean Water Technical Assistance Grant Program, established by America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018.
EPA is accepting applications from technical assistance providers until August 14, 2026.
Funding may be used to assess community needs, support water quality compliance, train operators on infrastructure and management practices, and help communities navigate the federal funding application process. The assistance targets small wastewater systems, both centralized and decentralized, that face aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, rising costs, and declining rate bases. The program has awarded more than $102 million to date.
To learn more about the program or how to apply, see HERE.
For more information, contact RCRC Policy Advocate Eric Will.