News
10.8 Million in Available Grant Funding to Strengthen Water Sector Workforce
EPA has announced the availability of $10.8 million in grant funding to support training for workers in the water sector. Nationally, drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems are facing a shortage of qualified workers due to expected retirements. This comes at a time when water systems are working to modernize while also managing aging water infrastructure. Additionally, new technical and scientific skillsets are needed to prepare for new challenges like strengthening resilience to cyberattacks. The Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant was established through the America’s Water Infrastructure Act, passed by Congress in 2018. Eligible applicants for this competitive agreement are nonprofit professional or service organizations, nonprofit labor organizations, nonprofit community colleges, institutions of higher education, other nonprofit training and educational institutions, and public works departments. Questions about applying for EPA funding can be submitted by emailing waterworkforceNOFO@epa.gov. The focus of the Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant program is to develop a strong pool of skilled workers in the water and wastewater utilities sector. This grant program supports collaboration among federal, state, and local governments and institutions of higher education, apprentice programs, labor organizations, high schools, and other community-based organizations to provide access to workforce opportunities and build career pipelines in the water sector.
The four program areas include:
- Targeted internships and apprenticeships for skilled water utility trades.
- Education programs designed for elementary, secondary, and higher education students.
- Regional industry and workforce development collaborations to hire qualified candidates.
- Education and training programs designed for decentralized (septic) water workers to support public health for communities that rely on private wells for drinking water or septic systems.
This action makes near-term progress while the agency continues its efforts to revitalize the 2020 Water Workforce Initiative—developed and released in the first Trump Administration. Grant applications must be received by EPA through grants.gov by October 5, 2026. EPA encourages all eligible organizations who have an interest in these projects to apply.
Advisory: Defending Against an Active Threat to Siemens S7 Series PLCs
The National Security Agency (NSA), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Energy (DOE), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—hereafter referred to as the authoring agencies—are releasing this Cybersecurity Advisory to warn owners and operators of industrial control systems (ICSs) of an active cyber threat to Siemens S7 Series PLCs and provide relevant mitigations to protect and defend them.
The threat actors are conducting reconnaissance and capability development against U.S.-based Siemens PLC installations using AI-generated exploitation scripts disguised as legitimate monitoring tools. The actors leverage Internet scanning services to find Internet-exposed PLCs running outdated software or that are otherwise poorly protected. The U.S. critical infrastructure sectors most targeted by this threat activity include Critical Manufacturing, Energy, Water and Wastewater, Chemical, Food and Agriculture, and Commercial Facilities. This is not a theoretical risk—it is an active threat.
Memos: Data Center Development and Nexuses to CWA Program Implementation
The rapid expansion of data centers associated with artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure is creating a new and increasingly complex set of implementation challenges under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Although data centers have historically received limited attention within water quality regulatory programs, the scale, concentration, and operational demands of modern facilities are prompting state and federal regulators to reevaluate how existing CWA frameworks apply to these developments. Water-intensive cooling systems, large wastewater flows, growing reliance on reclaimed water, and significant supporting energy infrastructure are bringing data centers into closer intersection with nearly every major component of CWA implementation, including water quality standards, NPDES permitting, total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), water reuse programs, pretreatment requirements, and Sections 401 and 404 permitting authorities.
In response, ACWA has drafted a memo that outlines the key clean water issues regarding data center expansion, identifies emerging gaps in Clean Water Act implementation, and highlights strategic considerations for state clean water regulators and ACWA members.
ACWA Fact Sheet: What the Data Shows About Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification
Section 401 of the Clean Water Act requires applicants for federally licensed or permitted projects that may result in a discharge to waters of the United States to obtain a water quality certification from the affected state, authorized tribe, or EPA, ensuring that federally approved projects comply with applicable water quality requirements. In recent years, Section 401 has become a focal point of the broader debate over infrastructure permitting, with some stakeholders asserting that state certifications are a significant source of project delays.
To better understand the facts on the ground, ACWA surveyed state water quality agencies nationwide regarding certification practices, timelines, denials, and the causes of delayed reviews. The survey found that certification denials are rare and that most certifications are completed well within the statutory one-year review period. State regulators consistently identified incomplete applications, applicant-driven delays, and coordination with federal permitting processes—such as National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reviews—as the primary factors contributing to extended project timelines. These findings suggest that improving application quality and interagency coordination may have a greater impact on permitting efficiency than limiting states’ Section 401 certification authority.
Click here to read a summary of states’ experiences in CWA Section 401 water quality certification.
Association Updates
2026 Water Quality Modeling Workshop – View the Updated Draft Agenda
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.
View the draft agendas 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.
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. The room block will close September 4, 2026.
2026 National NPDES Program Efficiency Workshop – Save the Date (Virtual)
Date: November 2 – 6, 2026
Time: 12:00pm – 5:00pm Eastern
Purpose: The 2026 National NPDES Program Efficiency Workshop supports implementation of federal and NPDES permitting programs nationwide by highlighting administrative efficiencies, sharing best management practices, showcasing innovative federal and state programs, improving data quality, highlighting new approaches and technologies, facilitating coregulator collaborations and identifying challenges and barriers. Program areas to be considered for the workshop include jurisdictional determination, permit application, public process, permit issuance, monitoring and reporting, data management, compliance monitoring, inspections, violations and response, enforcement, and oversight.
Meetings and Webinars
EPA Office of Water Emergency Response and Cybersecurity (OWERC) Water-Sector Cybersecurity Events
Register for all sessions here:
- August 26: Water Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (WCAT) Webinar
- August 27: Cybersecurity Procurement Checklist Tool Training
- October 14: Natural Hazard Technical Assistance for Updating your Emergency Response Plan (EPA SWIFT initiative webinar)
U.S. Department of Energy Industrial Water Reuse Webinar Series
Join the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and leading organizations for an interactive webinar series designed to explore the evolving landscape of industrial water reuse. This series will equip you with actionable frameworks to reduce freshwater footprints, lower operating costs, and navigate complex project economics. The next session will take place on Aug. 26, at 1:00 pm ET. Click here to register.
The series is organized into three distinct sections: Foundational Principles of Industrial Water Reduction and Reuse, Identifying and Implementing Water Reuse Projects Across Industry Sectors, and Strategies for Financing and Implementation. Because each session is designed as a standalone learning opportunity, you are welcome to attend the entire series or drop in for individual webinars that align with your specific interests and needs. Details for webinars in Sections 2 and 3 will be released as speakers are finalized.
Webinars are held monthly. Check out the full series schedule and sign up today!
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
Environmental Consultant
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Closing Date: August 21, 2026
For more information and to apply, visit State of Florida Careers.
Regional Solutions Liaison (Operations and Policy Analyst 4).
Location: Coos Bay or Medford, OR (finalist may choose work location)
Closing Date: August 23, 2026
For more information and to apply, visit Oregon Job Opportunities.
Assistant Environmental Analyst – Environmental Licensing Administrator
Location: Augusta, ME
Closing Date: August 23, 2026
To apply, submit your cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by August 23, 2026. Please reference #26-DHHS-DWP-002 in the email subject line. Accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description and benefits may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Environmental Analyst – Permit Writer
Location: Albany, NY
Closing Date: August 23, 2026
To apply, submit your cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by August 23, 2026. Please reference #26-NYS-SW-DEC-005 in the email subject line. Accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description and benefits may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Watershed Assessment/Environmental Specialist II
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Closing Date: August 27, 2026
For more information and to apply, visit State of Florida Careers.
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.
