News
Government Shutdown is Longest in History
The government shutdown made history this week as the longest shutdown in history. Discussions among Senate negotiators are continuing, but no formal agreement has been reached yet. Senator Thune intends to schedule a vote on Friday, November 7, to consider the House-passed continuing resolution with a new expiration date, likely in January, and three full-year appropriations bills that have been negotiated. These three appropriations bills include Agriculture-FDA, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, and the Legislative Branch.
The Colorado River
The Colorado River is managed and operated under numerous federal laws, regulations, an international treaty, court decisions, contracts, regulatory guidelines, and the Colorado River Compact. This compact was set up to regulate water distribution among seven states – Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The original agreement from 1922 overestimated the amount of water that usually flowed through the river, and never fully addressed tribal rights/claims.
The compact’s current guidelines (formalized in 2007/2019) are scheduled to expire September 30, 2026. While a 2023 interim agreement was put in place to help address the near-term drought related crisis, a long-term plan is still under development. While conservation efforts have been showcased by all states, disagreements over whether Upper Basin states in the Colorado River should agree to restrict future water development is the biggest sticking point in the negotiations. One observer noted that “while the states share the river equally under the 1922 compact, the upper basin states have long used less than their full allocation, while the lower basin states have tapped their full share.”
While states have continued to negotiate, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has grown impatient and set a November 2025 deadline for the states to reach consensus. It is not clear how the recent federal government shutdown might impact this deadline. The outcome of these negotiations is expected to determine how the Colorado River’s water is managed/allocated for the next decade or more.
EPA Sends CWA Section 401 Rule Revisions to OMB for Review
On Nov. 6, EPA announced that the agency has proposed revision to the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 water quality certification rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review. The proposed rule is expected to be published in December 2025. EPA has announced that the new proposal is intended to clarify the scope of state and tribal certification authority in response to ongoing debate and uncertainty surrounding the 2023 Section 401 Rule. According to EPA’s regulatory agenda, the goal is to increase transparency, efficiency, and predictability for certifying authorities and applicants.
In May, EPA issued a memorandum responding to industry concerns that the 2023 rule allowed states to evaluate the broader impacts of the entire federally authorized “activity.” The memo clarified that certification reviews should focus only on adverse effects to water quality that could prevent compliance with applicable water quality standards. This guidance effectively narrows the scope of certification review, aligning it more closely with the 2020 rule, which limited the evaluation to impacts associated with a project’s discharges.
Association Updates
ACWA Award Winner
Exceptional Service Award
The Exceptional Service Award is presented to Association members who have demonstrated a strong commitment to ACWA before their retirement or completion of state service. This week, ACWA awarded Traci Iott (CTDEEP) with the Exceptional Service Award.
Traci is a supervisor for the Water Quality Group within the Water Planning and Management Division of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and has worked at CTDEEP for more than 30 years. She is responsible for developing plans to implement the criteria and standards through either the 303d TMDL program, ecological risk assessments for remediation programs and assistance to other implementation programs.
Traci is currently a co-chair of the ACWA watersheds committee, a position she’s held since 2011, and is a leader in the 303(d) program.
Traci received a B.S in Biology from Fairfield University in 1984 and a M.S in Zoology from the Ohio State University in 1987. Her graduate work focused on environmental toxicology and included a research study to link cancer in a fish population with contaminated sediments in their environment.
ACWA wishes to recognize Traci’s dedication to the Association and to water quality. We greatly appreciate her service to ACWA over the years. Traci always made time for the Association despite her demanding responsibilities at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Notice- No Wrap the Week of November 10, 2025
In observance of the holiday, ACWA will not publish a Weekly Wrap the week of November 10, 2025. Look out for our next edition the week of November 17, 2025.
ACWA 2026 Mid-Year Meeting – Registration Now Available!
Dates: March 25-26, 2026
Location: Alexandria, VA
Reserve your room now by calling 1-800-Hiltons (1-800-445-8668) and using group code 92N, or click here.
Group Rate: $276/night
View the draft agenda here.
Check our event webpage for more information.
2026 National Industrial Permitting Workshop – Save the Date
Dates: April 7-9, 2026
Location: Washington, DC
Purpose: The 2026 National Industrial Permitting Workshop supports implementation of federal and state industrial permitting programs nationwide by sharing best management practices, showcasing innovative federal and state programs, highlighting new approaches and technologies, facilitating discussion on national program enhancements and improvements, identifying state resource needs including tools, training and guidance, and proposing solutions to challenges and barriers faced by the regulators and other stakeholders. More information can be found on ACWA’s event page.
2026 Water Quality Standards Workshop – Registration and Draft Agenda Now Available!
Dates: April 21-23, 2026
Location: Little Rock, AR
Registration is open for the 2026 Water Quality Standards Workshop! This workshop will take place April 21-23, in Little Rock, AR. This workshop is a national meeting organized by ACWA for state staff involved in state water quality standards programs, as well as for both Regional and Headquarters-based U.S. Environmental Protection Agency managers and staff. The workshop will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Little Rock.
Registration is available here.
View the draft agenda here.
The workshop will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Little Rock. Reserve your hotel room here. The room block will close on March 30, 2026. ACWA does anticipate having travel support for state staff.
When available, more information can be found on ACWA’s events page.
ACWA 2026 Annual Meeting – Save The Date!
Dates: August 5, 2026 at 8:00 am – August 7, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Board of Directors will meet August 4, 2026.
Venue: The Eldorado Hotel and Spa, Santa Fe, NM
Check back here for more information regarding registration, lodging, and agenda.
Meetings and Webinars
Ask Me Anything SRF Office Hours
This initiative will expand your knowledge and enhance your ability to navigate the SRFs. These sessions are tailored for state agencies, utility operators, and stakeholders who support water infrastructure projects. Each session will open with a specific theme, providing clarity, strategies, and practical insights for preparing and managing an SRF-funded project. The remainder of the session will be devoted to ‘Ask Me Anything’. Participants can attend all sessions or select those that best meet their needs. Submit your questions in advance or bring them to the session for real-time support from our experts.
Mon., 11/17, 2-4 EST: Summary of what was covered over the AMA sessions
Meeting Registration – Zoom
ITRC: Microplastics Training
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 1:00PM-3:00PM EST
REGISTER HERE
In response to one of the biggest emerging environmental concerns, ITRC formed the Microplastics Team in 2021 to develop the Microplastics Guidance Document. Plastics have become pervasive in modern life and are now used in a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. Microplastics may result from the degradation and fragmentation of larger plastics, or they may be intentionally produced for specific applications and products. Regardless of their origin, microplastics are now ubiquitous in our environment. Because of their small size and pervasiveness in the environment, microplastics, along with any other contaminants which are adhered to the microplastics, may be inadvertently consumed by humans and other organisms. The target audience for the guidance and this training course includes state regulators and environmental consultants, as well as community and tribal stakeholders.
The guidance and this associated training course uses a conceptual site model to navigate microplastics in the environment and explore the following general areas. Prior to attending the training class, participants are encouraged to view the associated ITRC Microplastics Guidance Document.
EPA Webinars: Wastewater Math
- Dates & Times:
- Part 1: November 19, 1-3 PM (Eastern Time)
- Part 2: November 20, 1-3 PM (Eastern Time)
- Registration: Register Here
- Flyer: Webinar Flyer_Q1 Nov2025_Wastewater Math.pdf
Overview: Join EPA for a comprehensive webinar focused on the essential math skills needed to accurately complete facility discharge monitoring reports (DMRs). This session will provide step-by-step guidance on translating lab reports and field measurements into DMR entries. To ensure a solid understanding of these concepts, we will work through a variety of wastewater problems live.
About the Presenter: Cornell Gayle, U.S. EPA HQ, Atlanta, GA is a Professional Civil Engineer who works with the Environmental Protection Agency providing support to states and local municipalities ensuring compliance with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System requirements.
ICPRB Land Use Webinar: Land Prioritization Mapping to Protect Drinking Water Quality
Friday, December 5, 2025, at 12:00 pm ET
REGISTER HERE
On Friday, December 5, 2025, at 12:00 pm ET, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) is hosting a webinar about Land Prioritization Mapping to Protect Drinking Water Quality that ranks land parcels in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia to protect drinking water quality and their potential to degrade long-term water quality. The tool uses GIS data and metrics to support identification of high priority areas and opportunities for users to achieve multiple drinking water and conservation objectives.
Planning for Future Well Sites as Part of Wellhead Protection
Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 2:00 pm ET
REGISTER HERE
On Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 2:00 pm ET, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), in partnership with the Institute of Water Research at Michigan State University and the Michigan Rural Water Association will host this webinar as part of a webinar series. This webinar will cover when to start planning for a new well, what makes an ideal well site, and the key factors to consider when selecting potential locations. Speakers will review how well sites are identified, common challenges that may arise, and how to incorporate new wells into an existing Wellhead Protection Program. Practical recommendations will be shared to help community water supplies plan ahead and protect their source water for the future.
Job Opportunities
Environmental Hydrogeologist 1-2
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Closing Date: Open until filled
The Watershed Improvement Unit in the Water Quality Division is looking for a Hydrogeologist to remediate abandoned hardrock mines that are polluting rivers and streams. The Hydrogeologist will be responsible for reviewing and evaluating remedial designs, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and providing technical expertise to address the environmental and public health risks associated with abandoned hardrock mines. The Hydrogeologist will work with a multidisciplinary team to assess, plan, and execute remediation projects. This role plays a key part in protecting and enhancing Arizona’s waterbodies for the enjoyment of people and wildlife.
For more information and to apply, click here.
Quality Assurance Program Principal
Location: Cheyenne, WY
Closing Date: Open until filled
Helps the Water Quality Division achieve its mission of protecting the environment for current and future generations by ensuring that the division is making defensible scientific decisions based on high-quality, credible data. Performs quality assurance and quality control reviews and analyses of water quality monitoring data, reports, and plans. Provides technical expertise to other staff and external parties with regard to quality assurance and quality control matters. Manages functions associated with a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program to ensure the Water Quality Division’s compliance with state and/or federal requirements. Assists with agency-level strategic planning documents for quality assurance/quality control activities. While residing in Cheyenne is preferred, the successful candidate may reside and work in either Cheyenne or Casper.
For more information and to apply, visit Wyoming Job Opportunities.
Natural Resource Analyst (Water Quality NEPA Coordinator)
Location: Cheyenne, WY
Closing Date: Open until filled
This position is responsible for coordinating the Water Quality Division’s (WQD’s) role in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental review processes. It assists with the development and implementation of Wyoming’s surface water quality standards consistent with the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act and the federal Clean Water Act. The position collaboratively reviews, evaluates, and develops recommendations on proposed federal projects to ensure that federal agency actions are consistent with Wyoming’s water quality rules, including surface and groundwater quality standards, regulations for discharges to surface or groundwaters, and regulations for water and wastewater facility permitting. The position supports the development and implementation of Wyoming’s Surface Water Quality Standards, including technical reviews, research, document development, and assistance in the development of proposed changes to standards and implementation documents.
For more information and to apply, visit Wyoming Job Opportunities.
Complex Facilities Permit Specialist (Senior Water Resource Professional)
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Closing Date: November 10, 2025
The Surface Water Quality Bureau is seeking a Complex Facility Permit Specialist/Senior Water Resources Professional to implement surface water discharge permits pursuant to Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 402 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program; evaluate Notices of Intent submitted under state regulations in 20.6.2 New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC); provide technical and planning assistance to the regulated community; conduct anti-degradation reviews and ambient in-stream water quality analyses for permitting; certify federal NPDES permits pursuant to Section 401 of the CWA; review projects for surface water impacts; and coordinate with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on projects that affect NPDES permit holders.
For more information and to submit your application, please follow this link https://careers.share.nm.gov and search for Job ID# 158544.
Environmental Analyst – Collaboration Coordinator
Location: New Paltz, NY and Staatsburg, NY
Closing Date: November 19, 2025
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples (ideally at least one demonstrating your ability to translate science for the general public) by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by November 19, 2025. Please reference #26-HRNERR-001 in the email subject line. Accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description and benefits can be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers. For more information about HREMP see the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda and HRNERR.org.
Be sure to check out other opportunities on ACWA’s Job Opportunities page.
