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WaterOperator.org Blog

Resilience and Emergency Preparedness Resources for Wastewater Utilities | Recorded on September 24, 2026

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In this recording of our live webinar "Resilience and Emergency Preparedness Resources for Wastewater Utilities," viewers will be introduced to publicly available resources for wastewater utilities that support emergency preparedness and resilience. The session also includes a demonstration of our free search tools at WaterOperator.org to find additional free resources and training events.

This webinar series from WaterOperator.org covers topics relevant to wastewater operators, including funding, asset management, compliance, and water quality. Certificates of attendance will be delivered upon request to live attendees but are not available for watching this replay.

Recordings of our previous webinars:

September 28, 2026 By Katelyn McLaughlin Asset Management, Emergency Response, Utility Management, Wastewater, WaterOperator.org emergency preparedness, emergency response, free resources, resilience, waste water, wastewater, wastewater utilities 0 0 Comment Read More »

GIS Resources for POTW Asset Management | Recorded on September 8, 2026

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In this recording of our live webinar "GIS Resources for POTW Asset Management," viewers will be introduced to how GIS can serve as a powerful asset management tool for public-owned treatment works (POTWs) and wastewater utilities. The webinar also reviews publicly available resources for developing asset inventories, collecting field data, and building maps. Finally, we demo the search tools on WaterOperator.org.

This webinar series from WaterOperator.org covers topics relevant to wastewater operators, including funding, asset management, compliance, and water quality. Certificates of attendance will be delivered upon request to live attendees but are not available for watching this replay. 

Recordings of our previous webinars:

September 10, 2026 By Laura Schultz Asset Management, Financial Management, Technology, Utility Management, Wastewater asset management, geographic information system, GIS, GIS resources, POTW, utility management, wastewater, wastewater operators, wastewater treatment, wastewater utility, wastewater webinar, webinar 0 0 Comment Read More »

EPA Releases a Checklist to Help States Identify and Address Drinking Water System Risks

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a guidance document designed to help state drinking water programs proactively identify and address challenges that could threaten the reliability and safety of public water systems. The checklist, announced on August 13, 2026, is intended to strengthen collaboration between EPA and state primacy agencies while supporting ongoing compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The checklist provides a practical framework for identifying systemic issues and underlying conditions that may not pose an immediate threat but could eventually disrupt service or compromise water quality if left unresolved. Examples include source water demands approaching system capacity, malfunctioning treatment equipment, recurring water main breaks, and other operational vulnerabilities. According to EPA, many of these concerns can be identified and addressed during sanitary surveys before they develop into larger public health or reliability risks.

EPA developed this resource to complement existing sanitary survey programs and emphasizes that the checklist is designed to fit within current survey processes rather than to create new regulatory requirements or administrative burdens. The guidance includes tools for documenting systemic concerns and recommendations for tracking issues through long-term resolution.

The Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA), which partnered with EPA in developing the guidance, welcomed the new resource. ASDWA's Executive Director, Anthony DeRosa, noted that proactive system management is a key component of utility resilience and that the checklist offers state agencies and utilities a structured approach for identifying emerging risks, strengthening sanitary survey programs, and supporting continuous improvement across water systems of all sizes.

For water utilities, this new checklist reinforces the growing emphasis on preventative asset management, resilience planning, and early risk identification. By helping states and utilities systematically track operational concerns before they escalate, the guidance aims to support reliable service delivery, protect public health, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of drinking water systems.

The Checklist for Identifying Systemic Issues at Public Water Systems and Reporting to EPA document is highlighted on the EPA’s sanitary survey page as well as on the EPA’s SDWA capacity development state resources webpage.

September 2, 2026 By Katelyn McLaughlin Asset Management, Capacity Development, Financial Management, Utility Management capacity development, Real Water TA, sanitary surveys, technical assistance 0 0 Comment Read More »

Turning Rural Water Infrastructure Funding into Lasting Results

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Access to infrastructure funding remains one of the most significant challenges facing small and rural water systems. A new report from the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) highlights how technical assistance can help communities not only secure funding, but also successfully plan, manage, and sustain critical water and wastewater improvements.

In fiscal year 2025, RCAP and its regional partners provided assistance to 2,622 rural, tribal, and indigenous communities across all 50 states and five U.S. territories, impacting more than 4.1 million residents. The organization's network of more than 400 technical assistance providers works directly with local utilities and community leaders to strengthen technical, managerial, and financial capacity.

The report underscores the scale of infrastructure investment supported through technical assistance. Communities working with RCAP secured over $397 million in infrastructure funding awards and submitted applications for an $835.6 million in additional projects. According to RCAP, hundreds of communities completed technical and financial proposals that positioned them to pursue almost $1 billion in needed water and wastewater infrastructure investments.

Training and workforce development continued to be a major focus. RCAP delivered 567 trainings that reached more than 11,500 participants and 8,100 water systems nationwide. Operators represented the largest group of attendees, and post-training evaluations showed an average 18-point improvement in test scores, indicating meaningful gains in knowledge and skills. More than two-thirds of trainings served utilities with 3,300 connections or fewer. 

The report also highlights how technical assistance helps utilities tackle real-world operational challenges. Examples include assisting the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe in Michigan with service line inventory and GIS mapping, supporting financial sustainability efforts in Coldwater, Mississippi through a rate study and rate adjustment, helping communities improve asset mapping and stormwater management, and guiding tribal and rural systems through complex funding and compliance requirements.

Several new resources developed by RCAP may be of particular interest to water professionals, including guidance on innovative treatment technologies for emerging contaminants like PFAS, a stormwater program management guide for small communities, an asset management primer for utilities, and an e-learning course on cybersecurity for water and wastewater utilities.

A key takeaway from the report is that infrastructure dollars alone are not enough. Rural utilities often need support navigating funding programs, conducting planning studies, improving utility management practices, and building local leadership capacity. RCAP argues that combining infrastructure investment with technical assistance produces more sustainable outcomes, helping communities develop systems that remain compliant, financially viable, and resilient for years to come. 

For water sector professionals, the report serves as a reminder that successful infrastructure projects depend not only on funding availability but also on the technical, managerial, and financial capacity needed to transform investments into long-term community benefits.

Need assistance? 

Small and rural communities can connect with RCAP's network of regional partners for technical assistance related to drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, funding applications, asset management, operator support, utility planning, and more. Learn more and find your regional RCAP partner on RCAP's website.

July 10, 2026 By Katelyn McLaughlin Asset Management, Financial Management, Utility Management, Water News RCAP, rural water systems, technical assistance 0 0 Comment Read More »

Preparing for LCRI Compliance: Key Insights from NRWA

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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.
November 18, 2025 By Katelyn McLaughlin Asset Management, Compliance Monitoring, Drinking Water, Utility Management compliance, LCRI, Lead and Copper 0 0 Comment Read More »

RCAP's Drop of Knowledge: Article Roundup #7

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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:

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

March 7, 2025 By Katelyn McLaughlin Asset Management, Decentralized Wastewater, Drinking Water, Financial Management, Tribal Systems, Utility Management, Wastewater fluoride, rate increase, rate review, septic system, technical assistance challenges, tribal, wastewater 0 0 Comment Read More »

RCAP's Drop of Knowledge: Article Roundup #6

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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:

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

December 13, 2024 By Katelyn McLaughlin Asset Management, Drinking Water, Utility Management, Wastewater asset management, colonias, infiltration, inflow, technical assistance, utility vehicles, wastewater, water pollution 0 0 Comment Read More »

The Impact of Winter Weather on Water Systems

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With winter weather upon us, water systems face increased challenges. The combination of freezing temperatures, increased water demand, and potential infrastructure vulnerabilities can significantly impact the quality and reliability of drinking water. Understanding these challenges and how to mitigate them is crucial for ensuring safe and consistent water supply during the colder months.

Freezing Temperatures and Infrastructure

One of the primary concerns during winter is the risk of pipes freezing and bursting. When water inside pipes freezes, it expands, which can cause pipes to crack or burst. This not only leads to water loss but also poses a risk of contamination if the integrity of the water system is compromised. To prevent this, water utilities often implement measures such as:

  • Insulating Pipes and Infrastructure: Ensure that pipes are properly insulated and that heating systems are in place to maintain a stable temperature in critical areas.
  • Regular Maintenance: Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of water systems, including checking for leaks and ensuring that all equipment is in good working order.
  • Heating Systems: Installing heating systems in critical areas to maintain a stable temperature.
  • Communication with Customers: Encourage homeowners to be proactive about protecting their pipes from freezing in colder months.

Increased Water Demand

Winter weather can lead to increased water demand for various reasons, including the need for heating systems that use water, such as boilers and radiators. Additionally, people tend to use more water for hot showers and baths during colder months. This increased demand can strain the water supply system, making it essential for utilities to manage resources efficiently.

Contamination Risks

Snow and ice can carry pollutants, like salt for de-icing roads, that may enter the water supply through runoff. When snow melts, it can pick up contaminants from roads, agricultural fields, and other surfaces, which then flow into water sources. To address this, water treatment facilities must be equipped to handle higher levels of pollutants and ensure that the water is safe for consumption.

Mitigation Strategies

To ensure the reliability and safety of drinking water systems during winter, several strategies can be employed. Organizations should establish a comprehensive cold weather safety plan. This plan should outline precautions to take before, during, and after the onset of freezing temperatures. Key elements include: 

  • Winterize water systems and ensure that exposed plumbing is properly drained. 
  • Inspect building heating systems to keep areas with plumbing above 40°F. 
  • Clear access to fire hydrants, sprinkler system rooms, and life safety equipment.
  • Monitor and manage snow accumulation on roofs and around facilities to prevent damage and ensure safety.
  • Review emergency evacuation procedures to ensure that snow, ice and cold weather conditions are adequately addressed.

Winter weather presents unique challenges for water systems, but with proactive preparation and effective management, these challenges can be mitigated. By understanding the risks and implementing appropriate strategies, we can ensure that our drinking water remains safe and reliable throughout the winter season.

December 6, 2024 By Katelyn McLaughlin Asset Management, Drinking Water, Emergency Response, Operations and Maintenance, Utility Management drinking water, weatherproofing, winter weather, winterizing 0 0 Comment Read More »

The Importance of Preparedness for Water and Wastewater Systems

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National Preparedness Month (NPM) is observed each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could impact water and wastewater systems. In recognition of NPM, we have linked some valuable resilience resources below. These resources were created by U.S. EPA to help systems better navigate disasters and emergencies.

Develop a Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA)

It's important for utilities to prepare for both natural and human-made disasters by assessing for the greatest risks. Developing a Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) helps you systematically assess your utility's risks. 

Prepare an Emergency Response Plan (ERP)

Once you assess for risks to your utility, the next step is to create an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) to outline how you will prepare for, or respond to, the risks identified in your RRA. 

Community drinking water systems serving more than 3,300 people are required to have both an RRA and ERP that are updated every five years. However, EPA encourages all water and wastewater systems to plan for disasters they may face by developing an RRA and ERP!

Minimize the Impact of Weather-Related Disasters

EPA’s Creating Resilient Water Utilities (CRWU) Storm Surge Inundation Map can help your utility prepare for the effects of a hurricane. The map has been updated to provide the most current information on past and present storms. The “real-time” map shows storm surge projections as advisories are released, complementing the “worst-case” surge projections and enhancing disaster preparedness.

EPA also has a mobile app, Water Utility Response On-The-Go App Plus, that provides information and tools that water utilities can use to prepare for an emergency. Users can track severe weather, contact response partners, and find up-to-date information on local emergencies. Once the disaster has passed, the tool can be used to assess damage and complete incident action checklists.

September 13, 2024 By Katelyn McLaughlin Asset Management, Emergency Response disaster response, emergency response 0 0 Comment Read More »

RCAP's Drop of Knowledge: Article Roundup #5

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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:

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

September 6, 2024 By Katelyn McLaughlin Asset Management, Drinking Water, Financial Management, Operations and Maintenance, Small System O&M, Technology, Utility Management communication, drinking water, operations, technical assistance, training 0 0 Comment Read More »
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