News
EPA/CISA Sector to Protect Against Activity Targeting PLCs
EPA and CISA are currently observing a significant increase in cyber threat actors targeting programmable logic controllers (PLC) in the Water and Wastewater Systems (WWS) Sector. This activity has resulted in operational impacts, boil water notices, and sustained manual operations at utilities of all sizes.
All drinking water and wastewater systems, including those with mature cybersecurity programs, should validate their external connections, as the current targeting activity includes cellular modems often installed by operators, vendors, or system integrators that may not be documented or included in routine attack surface scans. Operational technology (OT) assets exposed to the internet have an increased risk of defacement, configuration changes, operational disruptions, and, in severe cases, physical damage.
Drinking water and wastewater systems are urged to implement the following mitigations:
- Disconnect the PLC from the internet. Remote access for operational purposes should go through a VPN or gateway device, not directly through the PLC.
- Enable password protection and change default passwords.
- Allowlist IPs to only allow remote access from known engineering laptops or other critical OT assets.
For additional support, contact EPA’s Cybersecurity Technical Assistance Program for the Water Sector or your CISA Regional Office.
Operational Alert Found Here | CISA
NAWM Releases Updated Wetland Program Handbook
The National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM) developed this updated handbook as part of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-funded project to provide states with information about how to develop and implement Wetland Program Plans (WPPs). Since the original handbook, many states and Tribes have developed and implemented WPPs. The updated handbook reflects state experience, best practices, and lessons learned since the original handbook was written in 2013. The handbook focuses on state experiences, although information in the handbook may be helpful to Tribes as well. A separate guide on tribal WPPs was prepared in 2022.
OWOW Director Brian Frazer Wins 2026 Environmental Partnership Award
ACWA presented the 2026 Environmental Partnership Award to retiring OWOW Office Director Brian Frazer. The Environmental Partnership Award is presented to those who have, throughout their careers, demonstrated a true and consistent willingness to work cooperatively with the states and with interested organizations to advance environmental improvement. Brian joins a distinguished line of EPA Office of Water professionals and others who have worked tirelessly to promote cooperative federalism and collaborate with ACWA members on key clean water policy. Over his career, Brian has touched nearly every corner of water protection this association cares about—wetlands, permitting, oceans, estuaries, urban waterways, coral reefs—and led key regulatory efforts under the Clean Water Act that directly affect how states implement their surface water programs. That breadth matters, because federal-state partnership can easily become an abstraction. Brian made it concrete, program after program, year after year. As ACWA engaged EPA on Section 401 certification, WOTUS, TMDLs, Section 319, Section 404, and other issues coming out of the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds, Brian was the person on the federal side who understood that work as well as we did—and who treated our state administrators as partners rather than parties to be managed.
EPA Extends Comment Period for the NPDES ICR
This week EPA announced a comment period extension of 30 days for the NPDES program information collection request renewal. This ICR calculates the information collection burden and costs associated with the NPDES program, identifies the types of activities regulated under the NPDES program, describes the roles and responsibilities of state governments and the Agency, and presents the program areas that address the various types of regulated activities. At present, 47 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands are authorized to administer the NPDES permit program. In states that do not have authority for these programs, the Agency administers the program and issues NPDES permits. This new ICR notes an estimated increase of 2,192,078 hours due to a 16% increase in reporting and other increases associated with inflation. The deadline to comment on this ICR has been extended to August 31, 2026. If your state is providing comments on this ICR and/or you would like ACWA to provide comments on this ICR renewal, please contact Sean Rolland at srolland@acwa-us.org.
Federal Register :: NPDES ICR Renewal Comment Period Extended
New Members of Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Advisory Committee
Last week EPA announced the list of 21 new members to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC). The FRRCC provides independent policy advice and recommendations to the Administrator on crucial environmental issues affecting agriculture and rural communities and qualifies under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) under 5 U.S.C. chapter 10. The FRRCC generally meets twice a year in Washington, DC, or as needed and approved by the Designated Federal Officer (DFO).
EPA noted that the FRRCC “will continue to serve as a productive and valuable resource to the EPA. The committee will focus on several key priorities, including improvements to the technical assistance EPA provides to rural communities, outreach and education on advancing artificial intelligence for precision pesticide application and reduced chemical use in U.S. agriculture, and the critical balance between agricultural conservation, nutrient pollution reduction, and long-term farm viability.”
The new members of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee include:
- Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, Field to Market, Angola, Indiana
- Chad Franke, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Lander, Wyoming
- Chris Tanner, Tanner Farms, Norton, Kansas
- David Graybill, Red Sunset Farm, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania
- Eric Orem, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Heppner, Oregon
- James Henderson, Richfield Ranch Ag Ventures Inc., La Jara, Colorado
- Jason Warren, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
- Jeffrey Tiberi, Montana Association of Conservation Districts, Helena, Montana
- John Klar, MAHA Farmers Hub, Brookfield, Vermont
- Katherine English, Pavese Law Firm, Fort Myers, Florida
- Michael Crowder, Brushy Creek Farms, Richland, Washington
- Nocona Cook, Cook Farms, Cordell, Oklahoma
- Rick Naerebout, Idaho Dairymen’s Association, Twin Falls, Idaho
- Dr. Russell Hamlin, Grimmway Farms, Bakersfield, California
- Ryan Schohr, Schohr Ranch, Chico, California
- Dr. Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia, Tifton, Georgia
- Stephen Logan, Logan Farms, Giliam, Louisiana
- Steve Keen, North Carolina Environmental Management Commission, Goldsboro, North Carolina
- Stuart Swanson, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Galt, Iowa
- Dr. Whitney Crow, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi
- William Thomas (Tom) McDonald, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, Dalhart, Texas
EPA Releases Water Reuse Action Plan 2.0 Summer Update
EPA has released the Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP) 2.0 Summer Update, highlighting progress on the agency’s renewed effort to advance water reuse across the country. The update summarizes ongoing work under WRAP 2.0’s strategic initiatives, including actions to support industrial water reuse, strengthen technical resources, improve collaboration among federal and state partners, and address barriers to implementing reuse projects. EPA also identifies several new and ongoing actions involving state agencies, utilities, industry, and other stakeholders that are intended to expand water reuse opportunities while supporting water security and economic growth. States implementing water reuse programs may find the update useful for tracking federal priorities and identifying opportunities for collaboration as WRAP 2.0 continues to evolve.
Association Updates
Notice – No Wrap the Week of August 3, 2026
During the week of August 3, ACWA will be hosting the 2026 Fall Clean Water Act Regulators Summit and will not publish a Weekly Wrap. Look out for our next edition the week of August 10, 2026.
ACWA 2026 Fall Clean Water Act Regulators Summit – View the Final 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 final agenda. View the 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
Registration is Open! – 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:
- 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
Senior Water Resource Professional (Wetlands Project Officer)
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Closing Date: August 11, 2026
The Surface Water Quality Bureau is hiring a Senior Water Resources Professional to help us further our mission to preserve, protect, and improve New Mexico’s surface water quality for present and future generations. This position serves as a Wetlands Program Project Officer and works interactively with other Bureau staff, stakeholders (e.g., regulated community, non-governmental organizations, etc.), state and federal agencies, and the public to protect, inventory, monitor, restore, and improve the State’s wetland water resources and water quality for the benefit of all New Mexicans. If you are interested in applying, please visit NM’s Job Opportunities website to review the job posting and complete your application!
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.
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.
