Energy Optimization and Cost‑Saving Strategies for Wastewater Utilities | Recorded on March 31, 2026

In this recording of our live webinar "Energy Optimization and Cost‑Saving Strategies for Wastewater Utilities," viewers will receive an overview of energy efficiency best practices to reduce operational costs at wastewater facilities. It also includes a review of publicly available resources to explore cost-saving improvements and a demonstration of our 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:

• Workforce Development & Succession Planning for Wastewater Utilities | February 24, 2026
• Essential Safety Resources for Wastewater Operators | December 22, 2025
• Community Engagement Resources for Wastewater Utilities | November 4, 2025
• From Waste to Resource: Biosolids Management References for POTWs | August 2025
• Stormwater Management Resources for POTWs | July 2025
• Understanding Wastewater-Based Epidemiology | May 2025
• Enhanced Nutrient and Harmful Algal Bloom Control Resources | February 2025
• Wastewater System Sustainability Practices | November 2024
• Wastewater System Condition Assessment and Rehabilitation Resources | August 2024
• Funding Wastewater Infrastructure Projects | July 2024
• Source Water Protection for Communities with Decentralized Wastewater | May 2024
• Cybersecurity for Wastewater Operators | February 2024

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.

What is the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF)?

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) is a resource for communities looking to improve water quality and infrastructure. Established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the CWSRF provides low-cost financing for a wide range of water quality projects. The CWSRF operates as a federal-state partnership, offering financial assistance to communities for projects that protect and improve water quality. This includes decentralized wastewater treatment systems, energy efficiency improvements, water reuse projects, security measures at publicly owned treatment works, and more. It can be a long process to obtain these funds but if you aren't sure where to start, we have included some first steps below:

1. Identify Eligible Projects: The first step is to determine if your project is eligible for CWSRF funding. Eligible projects include wastewater treatment, stormwater management, water conservation, green infrastructure initiatives, and more.
2. Contact Your State CWSRF Program: Each state manages its own CWSRF program. Reach out to your state’s CWSRF office to get specific information on application procedures, deadlines, and requirements. They can provide guidance tailored to your project and location.
3. Prepare Your Application: Gather all necessary documentation and complete the application forms. This typically includes project plans, environmental reviews, and financial information. Your state CWSRF office can assist with this process to ensure your application is complete and accurate.

If you're looking to learn more about the CWSRF, the Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN) offers an in-depth webinar series on their YouTube channel. This series is designed to help communities, water systems, and wastewater systems navigate the complexities of the CWSRF funding process. Each session covers essential topics such as project planning, working with engineers, setting project milestones, and financial management. You can watch the 12-video series on EFCN's YouTube channel.

RCAP's Drop of Knowledge: Article Roundup #5

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:

• Pembroke Township Public Water System Training and Assistance for Drinking Water Operators
• Communicating About Lead in Drinking Water
• Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck – GIS Mapping
• Board Relationships: Navigating the Waters of Governance and Operations
• The Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) Helps Island Community Retain Local Water System Ownership
• Big Changes for a Small Water System

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

Funding Wastewater Infrastructure Projects | Recorded on July 23, 2024

In this recording of our recent live webinar "Funding Wastewater Infrastructure Projects" viewers will discover some of the most helpful wastewater funding resources and learn how to use our search tools at WaterOperator.org to find additional 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. 

RCAP's Drop of Knowledge: Article Roundup #4

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:

• Resolving Inflow and Infiltration Issues in a Growing Community
• The Beginner’s Guide to Geospatial Asset Management
• How Smoke Testing Can Help Your Small Wastewater Collection System
• Red Cliff Wastewater Treatment Plant Compliant Treatment Process
• Meeting the October 2024 Deadline: A Quick Guide for Water Utilities Struggling to Get Started with Lead Service Line Inventory Compliance
• What is the Most Important Business in Your Community?

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

RCAP's Drop of Knowledge: Article Roundup #3

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:

• Assessing Your Collection System with a Pipeline Camera System
• Water System Achieves Compliance In One Year With Communities Unlimited’s Assistance
• Administrative Professionals and Their Continuous Contributions to Water and Wastewater Systems
• Staff in Nebraska is Helping to Build a Sustainable, Resilient Utility Workforce
• System Vulnerability Assessments and Emergency Response Plans
• Effective Communication with the Community

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

Financial Management for Small Water Utilities

Many small public water systems lack organized finances, with little to no budgeting or accounting, no long-term financial planning, and customer rates that are not adequate to cover expenses. Many small systems also need expensive repairs or upgrades that would be difficult to afford even if they had impeccable book-keeping. In recognition of this, the federal government and many national organizations provide small systems with resources to organize and improve their finances, as well as grants to help fund major projects.

We have 1712 resources (and counting) on Financial Management in our Documents Database that provide valuable information on this topic. You can search for documents on funding opportunities to build system resiliency, building a financially healthy water system, how to use the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) to mitigate the impact of drought on drinking water systems or to address DBPs in drinking water, and many other useful guides that will help you to deliver safe and clean water to utility customers. 

To access the wealth of knowledge on Financial Management within our database just select "CATEGORY" in the dropdown then choose "Financial Management." Once you make that selection, a second dropdown will appear where you can choose "HOST," “TYPE,” or “STATE” to narrow the search even further. If you have a specific search term in mind, use the “Keyword Filter” search bar on the right side of the screen.

This is part of our A-Z for Operators series.

RCAP's A Drop of Knowledge: Recent Article Roundup #2

A 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 recent featured articles are linked below:

• Effective Communication with the Community | RCAP
• System Vulnerability Assessments and Emergency Response Plans | RCAP
• Staff in Nebraska is Helping to Build a Sustainable, Resilient Utility Workforce | RCAP
• Administrative Professionals and Their Continuous Contributions to Water and Wastewater Systems | RCAP
• Assessing Your Collection System with a Pipeline Camera System  | RCAP
• Removing Arsenic from A Tribal School's Water System | RCAP

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

Free Program to Help Rural Entrepreneurs Thrive

In 2021 the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) launched the Open for Business program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the program is to serve entrepreneurs across the country in launching and growing their business through the help of RCAP’s extensive network. 

The Open for Business program offers free tools designed to assist entrepreneurs looking for resources to enhance their business. The program’s hub has self-guided online workshops, live webinars on relevant topics for expanding your business, and one-on-one coaching from a team of professionals with a wide range of expertise. Register for one of their live webinars below:

• January 5, 2023 - Developing an Effective Website
• January 19, 2023 - Budgeting and Bookkeeping: Part 1

The Open for Business hub also offers training resources that provide knowledge on some of the most used digital tools in business as well as financial assistance resources via a list of up-to-date government, non-profit, and private funding sources and loans for small businesses. 

For additional knowledge-building, the WaterOperator.org blog also regularly features content on running your water system like a business. Here are some examples:

• Promoting Equality and Equity: Resources for the Water Industry
• Maintaining Customer Satisfaction
• Protecting Your Customers From Utility Scams
• Social Media 101 for Public Water Systems