Idaho and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe reach historic water rights agreement

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the state of Idaho have finalized a historic water rights settlement, ending decades of litigation and resolving more than a century of uncertainty dating back to the creation of the reservation in 1873. Tribal Chairman Chief Allan and Governor Brad Little celebrated the agreement as a major step toward protecting Coeur d’Alene Lake and ensuring long-term water reliability. The settlement concludes complex adjudication efforts that began in 2008 and affirms that the tribe holds senior federal reserved water rights (some with priority dates reaching back to “time immemorial”).

The agreement was shaped through extensive negotiations involving the tribe, the federal government, and more than 300 regional stakeholders, including local governments, property owners, and major employers. Under the settlement, the tribe recognizes and protects all existing state‑based water rights dated on or before September 6, 2023, while the state secures room for future growth and protection of most existing water allocations. In exchange, the tribe receives judicially defined quantities of water under its reserved rights and retains authority to manage water resources within the reservation, including establishing a tribal water supply bank.

This settlement brings long‑awaited certainty to water users across North Idaho and sets the stage for collaborative resource management. While the state provides no direct funding to the tribe, the agreement includes state support for federal legislation that could bring up to $500 million in water infrastructure investments. Leaders on both sides emphasized that the agreement not only protects tribal homelands but also benefits the broader community. A sentiment that is underscored by the late tribal leader Felix Aripa’s words: “Water is life for all of us.”

In the News: Idaho reaches historic water rights agreement with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe | KREM

RRA & ERP Compliance for Systems Serving More Than 3,300 People

As compliance deadlines approach, now is a great time to review America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) section 2013 to ensure your system is on track. AWIA requires all community water systems serving more than 3,300 people to complete a certified Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) and update their Emergency Response Plan (ERP) within the established five‑year cycle. To assist with this, U.S. EPA continues to offer tools, templates, and technical assistance to help systems strengthen physical security, cybersecurity, and overall resilience.

Below is a reminder of the upcoming deadlines to help you stay in compliance and plan ahead:

Risk and Resilience Assessments (RRA)

• Due by June 30, 2026

Emergency Response Plans (ERP)

• Due six months after your RRA submission

If you have already submitted or certified completion of your plans, no further action is needed at this time. 

Further Resources: 

• AWIA Section 2013/SDWA Section 1433: Risk and Resilience Assessments and Emergency Response Plans Main Page | U.S. EPA
• Small System Risk and Resilience Assessment Checklist | U.S. EPA
• Develop or Update an Emergency Response Plan | U.S. EPA

NOTE: Systems that serve less than 3,301 people are not required to certify the completion of these plans to U.S. EPA but are encouraged to conduct RRAs and ERPs in order to prepare for potential risks or emergencies.

Preparing for LCRI Compliance: Key Insights from NRWA

The National Rural Water Association (NRWA) has published an incredibly useful resource to help water systems navigate the upcoming Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) compliance requirements. With the November 1, 2027 deadline approaching, this article provides clear guidance on what utilities need to do now to stay ahead. It breaks down the complex requirements into actionable steps, helping to ensure compliance and avoid costly penalties to your utility.

Highlights from the article:

• Regulatory Timeline: Current LCRR requirements remain in effect until 2027, when LCRI submissions are due.
• Service Line Inventory: Systems must update and verify inventories, including connectors and unknown lines.
• Annual Notices: Required for locations with lead service lines, galvanized requiring replacement, or unknown materials.
• Verification Requirements: New rules call for visual validation of non-lead lines and approved methods for confirming materials.
• Compliance Risks: Unknown lines in the 2027 baseline inventory trigger additional obligations like sampling and replacement plans.
• Data Management: Digital tools are strongly recommended to handle the data-intensive nature of LCRI compliance.

Registration for VirCon 2026 is Open!

Our team at WaterOperator.org is excited to announce next year's Virtual Operator Conference! Over three days (February 3-5, 2026) participants can earn up to 12 continuing education hours applicable to their drinking water operator license renewal. We are seeking approval in all relevant operator certification jurisdictions, with the most current updates listed on the event registration page.

This free, virtual training conference offers drinking water operators a chance to learn more about timely topics, improve fundamental skills, and get support for specific challenges while earning up to 12 hours of CEU credit. Below is a list of each course that will be offered to participants of VirCon 2026:

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

• The History of Water Regulations
• Small System Water Treatment
• Fundamentals of Drinking Water Distribution
• Disinfection Byproducts

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

• Asset Management Plans
• Asset Management Framework: Five Core Questions
• Asset Management that Water Operators Use
• Hydrant Assessments for Asset Management

Thursday, February 5, 2026

• GIS and Water System Maintenance
• Digital Transformation for Operations & Maintenance Task using GIS
• Corrosion Control and Cathodic Protection
• Drones

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly critical for water and wastewater utilities as digital connectivity becomes more common. Now that more systems are linked than ever before, the threat of cyberattacks continues to grow. Staying informed and proactive is key so we’ve gathered a collection of resources designed to strengthen your cybersecurity awareness.

The list below includes guidance from U.S. EPA and CISA, training recordings, and tools to help utilities assess and improve their cybersecurity knowledge. Explore these links to strengthen your utility’s defenses and ensure the continued safety and reliability of our water systems.

Further Resources...

• Cybersecurity Trivia (docx) | U.S. EPA
• Spot The Phishing Email Test (docx) | U.S. EPA
• Is Your Utility Cyber Aware? | U.S. EPA
• Cybersecurity Assessments | U.S. EPA
• Incident Response Training | CISA
• Cybersecurity 101 Training for Water Systems Webinar Recording | U.S. EPA
• Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 Webinar Series | CISA
• Cyber Incident Reporting Factsheet | U.S. EPA
  • Report Cybersecurity Incident Here | CISA
• Sign Up for EPA Water Sector Alerts Here | U.S. EPA
• Basic Cybersecurity Measures for Water and Wastewater Systems in Massachusetts -Virtual Course | WaterOperator.org, MassDEP

Throughout October, EPA will host webinars to share sector-specific data and trends, providing tools, best practices, and training opportunities for water utilities, system operators, IT professionals, and local leaders.

Get Ready for the 13th Annual SepticSmart Week!

What are you planning to do for this year's SepticSmart Week? This is the perfect time for communities, national organizations, local groups, and governments to come together and bring attention to the importance of caring for and maintaining septic systems through homeowner education and public outreach. 

Now is the time to start planning if you haven't already! You can peruse the SepticSmart Week page at the EPA at your own pace or check out these particular (free!) resources we recommend for reaching and educating homeowners:

• SepticSmart Education Materials — EPA Toolkit
• SepticSmart Quick Tip Videos
• Do's and Don'ts of Your Septic System — Flier
• Do Your Part — Infographic
• Homeowner Training Materials — NOWRA Learning Module

We would also recommend everyone to encourage their local government leaders to sign an official SepticSmart Week Proclamation. You can find links to different proclamation templates for governors, mayors, and tribal/community leaders at the EPA webpage!

If you're interested in learning more information about septic systems, check out our sister site, DecentralizedWastewater.org! Our blog is full of resources that focus on the importance of caring for and maintaining septic systems. Check out last year's blog post all about how to prepare for SepticSmart Week!

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:

• 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.
• Build Community Adaptability: Enhance the ability of communities to adapt and respond to changing circumstances and economic conditions.
• Support Regional Approaches: Invest in initiatives that benefit multiple communities and leverage regional strengths and assets.
• Form Trusted Partnerships: Develop strong, trust-based relationships with local communities through direct engagement and collaboration.
• Make Capital Accessible: Simplify the process of accessing funds to reduce barriers for rural applicants.
• Increase Flexible Capital: Provide operational funding that allows local leaders to address specific community needs and invest in long-term solutions.
• Grow Grant Capital: Increase the availability and scale of grants to support comprehensive community development.
• Provide Multi-Year Support: Offer consistent, long-term funding to enable sustainable development and allow for thorough planning and implementation.

The Rural Funding Guide can help water leaders in rural communities to secure and manage funding more effectively. It promotes equitable investment, strong partnerships, and long-term outcomes. All of which are key principles for sustainable water solutions. The guide encourages funders to simplify access to capital, support regional collaboration, and prioritize community voices, making it easier for water organizations to address infrastructure, climate resilience, and staffing challenges.

By highlighting common funding barriers like complex applications and limited resources, the Rural Funding Guide advocates for flexible, multi-year support that empowers water leaders to plan and implement impactful projects. It also promotes systems-level thinking, encouraging water initiatives to align with broader goals in housing, health, and economic development.

Paving the Way for Sustainable Drinking Water Supply in Arizona

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has announced the approval of the Advanced Water Purification (AWP) rules by the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council. This new regulatory framework aims to ensure a sustainable and reliable drinking water supply for Arizona communities amid rising demand and drought conditions. The AWP program allows cities and water providers to apply for permits to purify treated water for potable use, incorporating strict safeguards to protect public health. 

“Water reliability is the foundation of a thriving community, and the approval of these rules paves the way for new opportunities to strengthen our supply,” said Phoenix Water Services Director Troy Hayes. “Phoenix is prepared to integrate advanced water purification into our long-term strategy, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and resilience.”

Key Requirements Include:

• Initial Source Water Characterization
  • Initially identifying all problem constituents in the treated wastewater source.
• Pathogen Control
  • Mandatory removal well above the 99 percentile.
• Site-Specific or Custom Chemical Control
  • A robust and apt approach based on the Initial Source Water Characterization.
• Enhanced Source Control
  • Chemical Control at the pollutant’s source, if necessary.
• Rigorous Minimum Design Criteria
  • Tailored to the findings of the Initial Source Water Characterization.

The approval follows extensive public engagement and technical reviews, with major cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale actively supporting the initiative. The press release states that "the new rule outlines the technical and operational requirements for AWP systems, drawing on best practices, input from the ADEQ-formed external Technical Advisory Group, and feedback on both ADEQ’s AWP Proposed Program Roadmap and Rule." The AWP rules took effect on March 4, 2025, and will be published in the Arizona Administrative Register soon.

Further Resources...

• AWP Overview | View >
• AWP Infographic | View >
• AWP Fact Sheet | View >
• Securing our Water Future Through AWP | View AMWUA Blog > 

Read the full press release: Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Approved | ADEQ
 

RCAP's Drop of Knowledge: Article Roundup #7

Drop of Knowledge is a monthly digital article from Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP.) The articles focus on topics like wastewater, drinking water, policy, and infrastructure in rural America. It contains how-to’s, tips, and guidance from more than 300 technical assistance providers (TAPs) across the country. Some featured articles are linked below:

• A Primer on Wastewater Utility Rate Review and Increases
• Fluoridation: Essential Part of Water Treatment or Unwarranted Addition?
• When the Going Gets Rural: Five Challenges TAPs Can’t Escape
• Communities Unlimited Assists with Failing Septic System
• Savannah Army Depot: A new RCAP Challenge
• Challenges of a Tribal City: Eagle Butte, SD

Looking for something else? Find more articles and subscribe to A Drop of Knowledge.

Texas Water Supply Endangered by Workforce Shortage

Texas is facing a critical challenge that could eventually impact its water supply and infrastructure. 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. This shortage poses a serious threat to the state's ability to maintain and repair its water systems, which are already under strain from climate change and a growing population.

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 in Texas' water and wastewater utilities sector is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. By developing regional training programs, integrating water careers into education initiatives, and establishing a dedicated water fund for infrastructure, Texas can work towards a sustainable solution. The efforts of agencies like SAWS to retain skilled workers through incentives are steps in the right direction.