News
Senate Releases Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026
On September 30, leaders of the Senate Environment and Public Works and Energy and Natural Resources Committees released the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, a broad permitting reform package that includes several proposed amendments to the Clean Water Act (CWA).
Click here for an ACWA summary of CWA provisions in the legislation.
Section 1202 would revise CWA Section 401 water quality certification requirements, including by limiting the scope of certification review to specified water quality requirements and establishing additional procedures governing certification requests, conditions, denials, and waivers. For interstate electric transmission lines and natural gas pipelines, the legislation would further limit Section 401 review to water quality impacts resulting from direct point source discharges and establish a review period of no more than nine months. The bill would also extend the maximum term of NPDES permits under CWA Section 402 from five years to ten years.
Additional provisions would amend CWA Section 404 by limiting the timeframe during which EPA may exercise its Section 404(c) authority and extending the duration of general permits, including Nationwide Permits, from five to ten years. The legislation also includes provisions addressing Nationwide Permits for certain utility, transportation, stormwater, and other activities, as well as judicial review of specified Section 404 actions. More broadly, the bill would establish a 150-day limitations period for certain legal challenges under the CWA and other federal environmental statutes and make additional changes concerning who may bring such challenges and the remedies available to courts. The legislation also addresses CWA Section 304(a) water quality criteria and judicial review of the definition of “waters of the United States,” including a requirement that EPA use notice-and-comment rulemaking when developing Section 304(a) criteria.
The Senate is expected to consider the legislation after the November elections, and ACWA will continue reviewing the CWA provisions and their potential implications for state clean water programs.
CRS Report: Management of the Colorado River: Water Allocations, Drought, and the Federal Role
This week the Congressional Research Service (CRS) published a report on the Colorado River Basin which covers more than 246,000 square miles, across seven U.S. states and Mexico. The Colorado River water is used primarily for agricultural irrigation and municipal and industrial (M&I) purposes, as well as tribal uses, hydropower production, fish and wildlife, and recreation. Pursuant to federal law, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation, part of the Department of the Interior) manages much of the basin’s water supplies through a system of storage reservoirs. A copy of the report can be found here: CRS Report: Management of the Colorado River: Water Allocations, Drought, and the Federal Role.
CRS Releases Updated Report on Drought in the United States
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) recently released an updated report, Drought in the United States: Science, Policy, and Selected Federal Authorities, examining the causes and impacts of drought and federal policies and programs addressing drought conditions nationwide. The report discusses different types of drought, challenges associated with monitoring and predicting drought conditions, and impacts on water supplies, agriculture, ecosystems, and energy production. It also outlines the roles of federal agencies, including NOAA, USGS, USDA, and the Bureau of Reclamation, in drought monitoring, preparedness, and response. For state clean water programs, drought can present challenges related to reduced streamflows, increased pollutant concentrations, aquatic ecosystem health, and maintaining water quality standards. The report provides useful context for ongoing federal and state efforts to strengthen drought resilience, improve water resource management, and coordinate responses to drought conditions.
Save the Date-EPA’s December 2026 Virtual Water Quality Standards Academy
The EPA has announced its December 2026 session of the virtual Water Quality Standards (WQS) Academy. The session will be held December 7-11 and on December 14. The 6-day virtual WQS Academy session will run from approximately 11:30am to 4:30pm, Eastern Standard Time, to allow for participation from multiple U.S. time zones.
Water quality standards (WQS) are provisions of state, territorial, authorized Tribal or federal law approved by the EPA that describe the desired condition of a water body and the means by which that condition will be protected or achieved. The WQS Academy is designed for WQS professionals associated with federal, state, Tribal and local agencies as well as the private sector. This highly structured and interactive training course ensures that attendees have access to the most up to date WQS information to effectively develop and implement a WQS program consistent with the Clean Water Act.
Registration for this upcoming session will begin in October. Stay tuned for future updates via the WQS Academy webpage and the WQSnews listserv regarding registration.
EPA’s Information Collection Request: EPA Program Information on Source Water Protection (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), EPA Program Information on Source Water Protection (EPA ICR Number 1816.09, OMB Control Number 2040-0197) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through September 30, 2026. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on July 9, 2026, during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. EPA has submitted the renewal of the source water protection program information collection (OMB Control No. 2040-0197) to OMB. Comments may be submitted on or before October 26, 2026.
Association Updates
Notice – No Wrap the Week of October 12, 2026
In observance of the holiday week, ACWA will not publish a Weekly Wrap the week of October 12, 2026. Look out for our next edition the week of October 19, 2026.
2027 State Summit on Water Reuse – Save the Date!
ACWA, ASDWA, ECOS, ASTHO, GWPC, and U.S. EPA are pleased to announce that the 2027 State Summit on Water Reuse will take place on Monday, March 1, 2027, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, in conjunction with the annual WateReuse Association Symposium. This free, state regulator-only event provides an opportunity for state regulators from across the country to exchange information, share experiences and best practices, and engage with federal partners on emerging water reuse issues. The Summit will feature perspectives from a variety of states and facilitate discussions on water reuse priorities, opportunities, challenges, and regulatory developments. Previous Summits have addressed topics including potable and non-potable reuse, agricultural and industrial applications, emerging water demands associated with data centers, and federal initiatives such as EPA’s Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP). Additional information, including the Summit agenda and registration details, will be shared in the coming months.
ACWA 2027 Spring Clean Water Act Regulators Summit – Save The Date!
Dates: March 24, 2027 at 8:00 am – March 25, 2027 at 12:00 pm
Board of Directors will meet March 23, 2027.
Venue: The Hilton Alexandria Old Town, Alexandria, VA
ACWA has provided a draft agenda for attendee travel approval purposes. View the draft agenda here.
Check here on our website for more information regarding registration, lodging, and agenda updates.
2026 National NPDES Program Efficiency Workshop – Registration Now Open!
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.
Virtual Registration: Meeting Registration Here
Meetings and Webinars
Cybersecurity Exercises and Technical Assistance Courses
The Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan and Tabletop Exercise sessions remain one of the best ways to provide a structured foundation and practical tools for building a comprehensive Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan. Facilities can take the Cybersecurity Incident Action Checklist and align it with their operational needs, develop actionable procedures, and generate a complete department-coordinated plan that integrates with their existing Emergency Response Plan. EPA’s clear explanations and real-world insights make it easier to turn guidance into something functional and site-specific. EPA remains committed to providing exercises and technical assistance on cybersecurity topics to the Water Sector. View the upcoming schedule through December 2026 and register here.
Water Research Seminar | Microplastics in Chesapeake Bay Oysters: Understanding Size-Dependent Accumulation
Date and Time: 10-22-2026 @ 01:00 PM (EDT) to 10-22-2026 @ 02:00 PM (EDT)
REGISTER HERE
Microplastic pollution is an emerging water-quality concern with potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health. Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) are filter-feeding organisms that can take up microplastics from surrounding waters, making them useful for understanding how these particles move through aquatic systems.This webinar will explore how the size and characteristics of microplastics influence their accumulation in Eastern oysters in tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. The presentation will highlight findings from studies conducted in the Patuxent and Potomac Rivers, including differences in microplastic concentrations, particle sizes, and types found in water and oyster tissues.Participants will learn why smaller microplastic particles, particularly those below 100 µm, may be more readily accumulated by oysters, and what this may mean for aquatic ecosystems, seafood safety, and environmental monitoring.
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.
Hawaii’s Wastewater Alternatives & Innovation (WAI) Online Training Approach for Small, Rural, and Tribal Communities
Date & Time: November 5, 2026, 2:00–3:30 PM ET
REGISTER HERE
Discover how Work-4-Water is reshaping workforce development in Hawaii’s water sector. Originally piloted under U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) funding on two islands, this 8-week pre-apprenticeship program was expanded under EPA funding to cover all Hawaiian islands, incorporate on-the-job training (OJT) support, and establish the WAI Decentralized Training Center. Designed to remove barriers to entry, these free online programs equip participants with both scientific knowledge and practical skills. The Decentralized Training Center offers career, water, sanitation, and funding resources to water systems statewide, while Work-4-Water features a flexible, learn-at-your-own-pace hybrid model that delivers real-world, collaborative learning experiences for pre-apprentices.
Water Research Seminar | Practical Monitoring of Wastewater and Surface Water: From Sampling to Data Interpretation
Date and Time: 11-10-2026 @ 01:00 PM (EDT) to 11-10-2026 @ 02:00 PM (EDT)
REGISTER HERE
The session will discuss how wastewater and surface water monitoring can be integrated to identify biological and chemical contaminants, including pathogens and emerging contaminants such as PFAS. Practical monitoring strategies, treatment considerations, and data interpretation approaches will be presented, with emphasis on supporting early detection and informed decision-making. The presentation will also introduce how data analytics and predictive tools can help identify water quality trends and support proactive management. The goal is to provide small-system professionals with practical concepts and examples that can be applied to improve water quality protection and public health decision making.
Wastewater Lagoon Optimization Strategies
Date and Time: 12-1-2026 @ 01:00 PM (EDT) to 12-1-2026 @ 02:00 PM (EDT)
REGISTER HERE
This webinar covers practical operational optimization practices that can help operators maximize treatment efficiency and maintain compliance in lagoon systems. While lagoons are highly cost-effective, utilities often experience performance declines due to excessive sludge buildup, hydraulic or organic overloading, and short-circuiting. Mastering lagoon optimization techniques empowers personnel to accurately calculate retention times, analyze effluent data, and implement strategies to prevent short-circuiting and optimize overall treatment.
Water Sector Utility Case Studies for Building Resilience to Natural Hazards
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EST
REGISTER HERE
SWIFT technical assistance is tailored to meet the needs of each utility’s request, from building risk and resilience assessments, to updating emergency response plans, to quantifying the potential reductions in risk that specific resilience projects can deliver. Learn how water sector utilities are benefitting from SWIFT technical assistance. Hear directly from utility representatives across the country that have engaged in the process to build system resilience to various natural hazards.
For questions or additional information about the webinar, please email ramming.audrey@epa.gov.
Please note that continuing education units (CEUs) are not available for this webinar; however, supporting documentation can be provided to attendees who choose to approach their respective state agencies.
Building Winter Weather Resilience for Water Sector Utilities
Date and Time: Wednesday, January 13, 2027, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EST
REGISTER HERE
Ready for the winter season? SWIFT’s experts can provide customized technical assistance to help your utility build resilience to winter weather hazards through risk-informed project planning and investment. Review this winter’s seasonal outlook, learn about the SWIFT technical assistance experience, and explore tools that can help your utility better understand and assess system impacts and identify resilient solutions.
For questions or additional information about the webinar, please email ramming.audrey@epa.gov.
Please note that continuing education units (CEUs) are not available for this webinar; however, supporting documentation can be provided to attendees who choose to approach their respective state agencies.
Job Opportunities
Senior Hydrogeologist – Scientist 4 – 26481
Location: Boise, ID
Closing Date: October 10, 2026
If you’re interested in applying for this position or reading additional information, please follow this link.
Facility Engineer (Environmental Engineer 3)
Location: Spokane, WA
Closing Date: October 21, 2026
For more information and to apply, visit Careers at Ecology.
Environmental Scientist for Watershed Management
Location: Bismarck, ND
Closing Date: October 23, 2026
For more information and to apply, please follow this link.
Biologist II
Location: Augusta, ME
Closing Date: October 25, 2026
This position will characterize, assess, protect and restore Maine’s estuarine and marine waters in the Marine Unit of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Water Quality Management, Division of Environmental Assessment. This position provides a leadership role in monitoring and research that supports the Marine Environmental Monitoring Program (Title 38, Section 410-F). For more information and to apply, visit Careers at State of Maine.
Information Officer – Land Acquisition Specialist
Location: Albany, NY
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
To apply, submit your cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org. Please reference job code #26-NYS-SW-DEC-006 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.
Environmental Hydrogeologist 2
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
For more information and to apply, visit this link.
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.
