Training and Technical Assistance to Improve Water Quality and Enable Small Public Water Systems to Provide Safe Drinking Water
This grant funds nonprofits and educational institutions to train and assist small water and wastewater systems and private well owners in delivering safe drinking water and meeting regulatory requirements.
Funder: Environmental Protection Agency
Due Dates: April 27, 2026 (Questions deadline) | May 13, 2026 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $30.7 million total; individual awards up to $13 million for NPA 1, $1.25 million for NPA 2, $3.45 million for NPA 3; 2-year project period.
Summary: Supports training and technical assistance to help small public water systems, small publicly-owned wastewater systems, and private well owners achieve regulatory compliance and improve water quality.
Key Information: 10% non-federal cost share required; only nonprofits and public/nonprofit higher education institutions eligible.
Description
This EPA funding opportunity provides cooperative agreements to organizations delivering training and technical assistance to small public water systems, small publicly-owned wastewater systems, onsite/decentralized wastewater systems, and private well owners across the U.S. The program aims to help these systems achieve and maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and improve operational sustainability, thereby protecting public health and water quality. The program supports direct technical assistance, training, and capacity-building activities, but does not fund infrastructure projects.
Applicants must address one of three National Priority Areas (NPAs) per application:
- NPA 1: Training and technical assistance for small public water systems to achieve and maintain SDWA compliance, including improving financial and managerial capacity.
- NPA 2: Training and technical assistance for small publicly-owned wastewater systems and onsite/decentralized systems to improve water quality and sustainable operations.
- NPA 3: Training and technical assistance for private well owners to improve water quality.
Awards are cooperative agreements, meaning substantial involvement by EPA staff in project oversight and implementation.
