News
Senate EPW Reauthorizes State Revolving Fund Programs
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA) and sent the bill to the full Senate for consideration. Included in WRDA 2026 are provisions reauthorizing the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Programs (SRF) and WIFIA. The SRF programs and WIFIA each received a 4-year reauthorization. These programs were last reauthorized in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). WRDA 2026 also includes policy provisions supporting infrastructure resilience, flood control programs, and improvements in project delivery.
2026 Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda
On July 3, 2026, OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) released its 2026 Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda plan. The plan summarizes each agency’s regulatory/deregulatory priorities for the coming year, and highlights actions expected to be taken over the coming months, as well as actions completed during the previous year. EPA’s actions can be found here: Agency Rule List – 2026. Major water related actions include updates on several ELGs, updating 401 certification, compliance deadline extensions for PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, and an updated definition of “Water of the United States.” Several actions have been delayed. ACWA’s Rulemakings and Non-Regulatory Activities table has been updated accordingly. Please note that this table was also updated to reflect the reorganization that occurred in the Office of Water.
CRS Report: Regulating PFAS Under the CWA
In response to Congressional interest, the Congressional Research Service released a report this week outlining Clean Water Act (CWA) authority that could be used to regulate PFAS. The report outlines CWA authority under the NPDES program, water quality standards program, and biosolids requirements. The report also briefly discusses how a CWA toxic pollutants or hazardous substance designation would trigger other environmental statutes like TSCA and CERCLA.
EPA Announces NPDES Permit Writers Course for August/September 2026
This 6-week virtual course will begin on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026. Participants should anticipate a time commitment of approximately 8 -10 hours per week and should seek supervisor approval before signing up. The course is scheduled to conclude on September 24th, however a “rain date” of September 29th should be reserved by the participants in case of technical issues.
The objective of this course is to provide the basic regulatory framework and technical considerations that support the development of wastewater discharge permits required under the NPDES program. The course was designed for permit writers with six months to one year of experience in the NPDES program, but experienced permit writers wanting a refresher course and other water program staff wanting to learn more about the NPDES program also are welcome. While there is no cost for the course, registration is limited and available at: NPDES Permit Writers Course – Virtual (August/September 2026) Tickets
If you have questions, please contact Sean Ramach at ramach.sean@epa.gov.
Coast Guard Seeks Feedback on Updates to 2012 Ballast Water Rule
The U.S. Coast Guard has released a retrospective analysis of its 2012 ballast water discharge standards and is seeking public comment on the report’s data, methodology, and findings. Prepared by the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, the report updates the Regulatory Impact Analysis supporting the 2012 rule using new data sources and more than a decade of information on ballast water management system implementation and the establishment of non-indigenous aquatic species. The analysis concludes that, despite significant upfront compliance costs for vessel retrofits, the ballast water standards are likely to produce net long-term benefits by reducing the introduction and spread of invasive species, with annual benefits projected to exceed annual costs by approximately 2050. The Coast Guard is requesting feedback on the report before finalizing its analysis and may revise the report based on public comments. Comments on the retrospective analysis (Docket No. USCG-2026-0111) are due by August 10, 2026, and may be submitted through Regulations.gov. Please click here for more information.
Association Updates
Vote Today!
Voting is currently open for ACWA’s Executive Leadership and Board of Directors. All ACWA “members in good standing” received an email with a link to the ballot.
Along with the Executive Officers, this year it is the odd Regions and Interstates that are up for election. Please cast your vote no later than July 27, 2026.
All “members in good standing” may participate in these elections. The “member in good standing” is the formal or primary ACWA representative for the state/interstate agency that paid dues for the previous fiscal year (FY2026). If you are unsure whether your FY2026 dues are paid, feel free to reach out to Julia Anastasio or Annette Ivey, and we can let you know. Only one vote per state/interstate.
Thank you for your continued support of ACWA! If you cannot find the email message with the link to the ballot, please contact Julia Anastasio.
ACWA 2026 Annual Meeting – View the Updated Draft Agenda
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
ACWA has updated the draft agenda. View the draft agenda here.
Please note that this is a Closed Meeting – Open only to ACWA members, partner organizations, federal
partners, tribal representatives and invited guests.
Check here on our website for more information regarding registration, lodging, and agenda updates.
Meetings and Webinars
NEW DATES – 2026 Water Quality Modeling Workshop & 2026 WASP Workshop – Sep. 28- Oct. 2 @ EPA Region 4 (Atlanta, GA)
ACWA and US EPA will be holding simultaneous modeling trainings the week of September 28th, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Building in Atlanta, GA.
ACWA’s Modeling Workshop will have 2 tracks to choose from, a modelers forum, which will feature case studies, demos, and group discussions, as well as a HAWQS/SWAT+ hands on training. Each track will have a cap of 40 attendees. These trainings will run Tuesday September 29 – Thursday, October 1. More info may be found on ACWA’s Event Page here.
You may register for either of these tracks here.
Concurrently, US EPA Region 4 and the National Water Modeling Workgroup will sponsor a 5-day workshop on water quality principles/modeling using the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP) on September 28th – October 2nd. There is a cap of 40 people for this in-person only class at the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Building in Atlanta, GA.
How to Register
If you are interested in attending this workshop, please visit WASP Website click the “Register for Workshop” link to complete the registration form. The workshop is open to all and there is no registration fee for the workshop. Attendees are responsible for their own travel and lodging related expenses. Please contact Catherine York (York.Catherine@epa.gov) with questions on the WASP training.
ACWA will have some travel support for state staff attending either of these trainings. Please reach out to Lexy Bailey if you will need travel support.
A room block has been procured for attendees at the Origin Hotel below the local per diem rate. Reserve your room here.
U.S. Symposium on Harmful Algae – Travel Funding & Fee Waiver Opportunities
October 25-29, 2026; Cedar Rapids, IA
The U.S. Symposium on Harmful Algae focuses on enhancing our understanding of harmful algal blooms and their effects on aquatic ecosystems, public health, and communities. Through scientific sessions and specialized breakout discussions, participants will engage in conversations about emerging challenges, innovative approaches, and updates in HAB science, management, policy, and programs. This dynamic four-day event features plenary sessions, breakout discussions, and scientific poster presentations covering key topics such as bloom dynamics, monitoring and management, prevention and mitigation strategies, emerging technologies, community engagement, and modeling and forecasting. The primary goal is to facilitate knowledge sharing, address emerging issues, and drive progress toward effective HAB management. Attendees also value the many opportunities to network, connect with colleagues, and discuss the latest developments in the world of HABs. The 13th U.S. Symposium on Harmful Algae will take place on October 25-29, 2026 in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Applications are now being accepted for fee waivers and/or travel support to attend the 13th U.S. Symposium on Harmful Algae. Funding is provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NOAA/NCCOS) and is intended to help defray travel costs for two groups of program participants: (i) U.S.-based graduate students and postdoctoral researchers; and (ii) public health and resource managers, particularly those from state, local, and tribal agencies who would otherwise be unable to attend. Applications for financial assistance are due by June 12, 2026. Please click here for more information.
Job Opportunities
Watershed Planning Unit Supervisor (WMS1)
Location: Lacey, WA
Closing Date: July 22, 2026
If you’re interested in applying for this position or reading additional information, please follow this link:
Watershed Planning Unit Supervisor (WMS1)
Environmental Specialist III/TMDL Developer
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Closing Date: July 27, 2026
For more information and to apply, visit State of Florida Jobs.
Section Chief for Data Management and Water Quality Assessment
Location: Worcester, MA
Closing Date: Open until filled, but first consideration will be given to applications received within 14 days of the July 6th posting date.
If you’re interested in applying for this position or reading additional information, please follow this link:
Environmental Analyst V – (260004OM)
Manager, Office of Stormwater Permitting & Compliance
Location: Richmond, VA
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
This position leads DEQ’s construction and municipal stormwater programs. For a full position description and information on how to apply, please follow this link: Manager, Office of Stormwater Permitting and Compliance.
Environmental Analyst or Engineer – Training and Technical Assistance Specialist
Location: Lowell, MA
Closing Date: Open until filled
To apply, email your cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample to jobs@neiwpcc.org. Please reference #26-Lowell-001 in the email subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description and benefits may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Watershed Management Section Manager
Location: Thurston County – Lacey, WA
Closing Date: Continuous
If you’re interested in applying for this position or reading additional information, please follow this link:
Watershed Management Section Manager (WMS2)
Be sure to check out other opportunities on ACWA’s Job Opportunities page.
