News
OIG Report: Audit of EPA Water Earmark Grants for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023
This week EPA’s OIG released a report identifying over $1 billion meant to fund 510 earmarked projects had not been awarded as of September 2025. According to EPA’s water program office, progress has been slow due to challenges including the initial lack of an earmark program, significant personnel shortages, and many recipients without federal grant experience. The OIG found that the lack of goals for timely awards, central tracking of pre-award documents, and clear guidance for tribal consultations also hindered the timely award of earmarks. The OIG made five specific recommendations:
- EPA should develop and implement strategies to facilitate timely awards, document expectations for expeditiousness, and identify recourse steps for when those expectations are not met;
- EPA should provide clarification to the EPA regions on the application of the Agency’s tribal consultation policy for individual grant awards;
- EPA should update their policy on grant records management to provide clarification regarding the types of documentation that should be stored in the EPA Grant File;
- EPA should implement training to ensure that personnel comply with grant records management policy; and
- Region 5’s RA implement controls to ensure compliance with pre-award requirements.
A copy of the full IG Report can be found here:
Audit of EPA Water Earmark Grants for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023
GAO Report: Applications, Challenges, and Policy Options for Engineered Microbes for Waste Cleanup
On July 14, 2026 GAO released a report associated with the use of engineered microbe technologies for waste cleanup. This report examines (1) the status, benefits, and risks of engineered microbes for waste cleanup, (2) the challenges of developing or using engineered microbes for waste cleanup, and (3) options policymakers could consider to achieve various goals related to this biotechnology. The GAO identified two future policy goals related to biotechnology: 1) demonstrating safety and effectiveness; 2) developing a market. A copy of the report can be found here: GAO-26-108175, Biotechnology: Applications, Challenges, and Policy Options for Engineered Microbes for Waste Cleanup
GAO Spotlight: Microplastics in the Body and Environment
On July 15, 2026 GAO release a short spotlight on microplastics in the body and the environment. Across the globe, over 24 million tons of plastic enter the environment each year. Larger plastics gradually break down into smaller microplastics, which can move into the organs, blood, and cells of humans and other animals. Major conclusions from this spotlight include:
- Major sources of microplastics include vehicle tires, synthetic fabrics, plastic bottles, and paint;
- Exposure to microplastics is associated with health problems in humans and other organisms, but scientists have not yet determined the extent to which microplastics cause such problems;
- Federal agencies have announced actions to measure and remove microplastics in the human body, consider potential regulation of microplastics in drinking water, and reduce microplastic exposure from synthetic fabrics.
A copy of the spotlight can be found here: GAO-26-109098, SCIENCE & TECH SPOTLIGHT: MICROPLASTICS IN THE BODY AND ENVIRONMENT
EPA’s SWIFT Program – Technical Assistance
Strengthen utility’s resiliency with free support from EPA’s Strengthening Water Infrastructure for Tomorrow (SWIFT) Initiative. SWIFT offers natural hazard risk assessment technical assistance and webinars to support drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities. Based on the findings of risk and resilience assessments, SWIFT can help to incorporate the following into an ERP:
- Strategies and resources to improve the resilience of the system, including the physical security and cybersecurity of the system;
- Procedures that can be implemented in the event of a malevolent act or natural hazard;
- Actions, procedures and equipment which can lessen the impact of a malevolent act or natural hazard on the supply of drinking water; and
- Strategies that can be used to aid in the detection of malevolent acts or natural hazards.
If a utility in your state is interested in learning more about free, direct, technical assistance to complete an ERP, contact SWIFT.
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 Fall Clean Water Act Regulators Summit – 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.
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
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.
EPA Office of Water Emergency Response and Cybersecurity (OWERC) Water-Sector Cybersecurity Events
Register for all sessions here:
- July 29: Quarterly Cybersecurity Vulnerability Snapshot Webinar (EPA + CISA — vulnerabilities found at water systems through EPA’s Proactive Vulnerability Identification Program and CISA scanning)
- August 5: Cybersecurity 102 (operational technology focus)
- August 12: Cybersecurity 103 (threats facing the water sector)
- August 19: Cybersecurity Refresher
- 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)
Job Opportunities
Environmental Specialist III/TMDL Developer
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Closing Date: July 27, 2026
For more information and to apply, visit State of Florida Jobs.
SPA Principal – Program Coordinator
Location: Duluth, Brainerd, or St. Paul, MN
Closing Date: July 27, 2026
For more information and to apply, visit Minnesota Careers.
Special Materials Compliance and Enforcement Unit Supervisor
Location: Duluth, Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, St. Paul, Rochester, Mankato, Marshall, MN
Closing Date: July 29, 2026
For more information and to apply, visit Minnesota 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.
