News
EAB Decision Regarding EPA NPDES Permit
On August 12, 2026 the EPA Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) denied review in part, and remanded in part, EPA Region 1’s NPDES permit renewal for the City of Manchester, New Hampshire. The Conservation Law Foundation challenged the permit on three grounds: a revised benthic survey requirement, the Region’s decision not to conduct an environmental justice analysis, and the Region’s treatment of PFAS under New Hampshire’s narrative water quality standards. The key holdings include:
- The benthic survey requirement was denied.
- The environmental justice analysis was denied.
- PFAS reasonable-potential analysis was remanded back to EPA Region 1.
Specifically, the EAB held that EPA erred in treating a lack of approved numeric PFAS criteria as a barrier to evaluating PFAS under New Hampshire narrative water quality standards, to correct erroneous statements in the response to comments document, and to evaluate whether PFAS “are or may be discharged a level which will cause, have the reasonable potential to cause, or contribute to an excursion” of New Hampshire’s narrative water quality standards, including the narrative criteria and designated use.
EPA Extends Comment Period for Proposed Construction General Permit
In response to multiple requests to extend the comment period, EPA has extended the deadline to submit public comments on the proposed 2027 CGP to September 17, 2026. A short summary of some of the differences from the 2022 CGP permit can be found in this table below.
CRS Report, “Data Centers and Water: Frequently Asked Questions”
On July 31, the Congressional Research Service issued a report, “Data Centers and Water: Frequently Asked Questions“. The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and other computing technologies is driving unprecedented growth in data centers, increasing attention to their impacts on local water resources. Because many data centers rely on water-intensive cooling systems, they can place significant demands on municipal water supplies and, in some cases, reclaimed water, surface water, or groundwater, with the extent of those impacts depending on local water availability and competing demands. Data center development also raises Clean Water Act considerations, including wastewater, stormwater, and construction-related discharges that may require federal permits or approvals to protect water quality. While states retain primary authority over water allocation, Congress has shown growing interest in the issue, with several bills introduced in the 119th Congress that would improve transparency regarding data center water use, encourage practices such as water reuse, or otherwise influence the siting and development of these facilities.
USACE Handbook, “Engineering With Nature: Proving Grounds Innovation Handbook”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has published a handbook, “Engineering With Nature® Proving Grounds Innovation Handbook“, which provides guidance for incorporating natural and nature-based features, along with innovative sediment management practices, into water resources projects to improve resilience to climate-related hazards. Drawing on collaboration among engineers, scientists, landscape architects, and USACE districts nationwide, the handbook highlights successful projects from across the United States that demonstrate how engineering solutions can deliver economic, ecological, and social benefits simultaneously. The handbook is intended to help practitioners integrate Engineering With Nature (EWN) principles throughout project planning, design, construction, and operation, offering practical examples of multifunctional infrastructure that enhances both community resilience and ecosystem health. Overall, it serves as a resource for expanding the use of nature-based approaches alongside traditional engineering practices to address evolving coastal and riverine challenges.
Association Updates
ACWA Elects New Officers & Board of Director Regional Representatives
ACWA announced the results of the 2026-2027 Executive Officers and Board of Director Regional Representatives election during the association’s business meeting at the 2026 ACWA Fall Clean Water Act Regulators Summit. Along with the Executive Officers, the odd number regions along with the Interstates representatives were on the ballot.
The 2026-2027 ACWA Executive Offices & Regional Representatives are:
- Region 1 Kevin Burke (VT)
- Region 2 Meredith Streeter (NY)
- Region 3 Jill Whitcomb (PA)
- Region 4 Ann Clark (SC)
- Region 5 Ashley Ward (OH)
- Region 6 Stacie Wassell (AR)
- Region 7 Tim Bull (MO)
- Region 8 Lindsey Krywaruchka (MT)
- Region 9 Jason Kuchnicki (NV)
- Region 10 Mary Anne Nelson (ID)
- Interstates Kristin Bowman (DRBC)
- President: Jennifer Feltis (NJ)
- Vice President: Jennifer Zygmunt (WY)
- Treasurer: Lori McDaniel (IA)
- Past President: Shelly Lemon (NM)
ACWA 2026 Award Winners
ACWA recognized several members and partners during the 65th Annual ACWA Awards Ceremony. Each of this year’s winners represents the best of ACWA and our profession.
Emerging Leaders Award
The ACWA Emerging Leaders Award recognizes full-time employees of states, interstates, and affiliates “who have demonstrated notable leadership on or contributions to the work of an ACWA committee, task force, and/or workgroup, and show demonstrated potential for future leadership in the Association.”
This year’s winner of this award are Nicole Newcomer (OK) and Jason Knutson (WI).
President’s Service Award
The President’s Service Award, is given annually to a member selected for his/her exceptional service to the Association over the last fiscal year.
The winners of this year’s award are Dana Vanderbosch (MN) and Stacie Wassell (AR).
Exceptional Service Award
The Exceptional Service Award is presented to Association members who have demonstrated a strong commitment to ACWA before their retirement or completion of state service.
The winners of this year’s award are Pete LaFlamme (VT), Daphne Lutz (AL), and Traci Iott (CT).
Environmental Partnership Award
The Environmental Partnership Award is to those persons who have, throughout their careers, demonstrated a true and consistent willingness to work cooperatively with the States and with the various interested organizations to effect environmental improvement.
The winner of this year’s Environmental Partnership Award is Brian Frazer, Office Director, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds (OWOW), United States Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters.
Environmental Statesman Award
The Environmental Statesman Award is the Association’s highest honor and is presented to Association members or individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to ACWA over a multi-year period.
The winner of the 2026 Environmental Statesman Award is Adrian Stocks (WI).
Staff Achievement Award
This award recognizes staff members who have demonstrated outstanding service to the membership and the organization over a sustained, multi-year period.
The 2026 Staff Achievement award is presented to Alexys Bailey, Environmental Analyst.
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.
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 August 21, 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
SWC and SPFW Webinar on Water Utilities Safeguarding Source Waters
On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 1:00–2:30 pm ET, the Source Water Collaborative (SWC) and Southeastern Partnership for Forests & Water (SPFW) will host a webinar entitled, “From Plans to Protection: Utilities Safeguarding Source Waters.” This webinar is part of the “Stronger Together” series. During the webinar, Bryan Rupar of Central Arkansas Water and Paul Hunt of Portland Water District in Maine will share motivating examples of drinking water utilities that play a leading role in watershed protection – especially land acquisition and management. For more information, view the webinar flyer and register for the webinar here.
If you missed the previous webinars on June 17, April 30, and January 15, 2026, visit the SWC Resources & Webinars web page, and click on the webinars tab under “Forestry & Conservation.”
EPA Office of Water Emergency Response and Cybersecurity (OWERC) Water-Sector Cybersecurity Events
Register for all sessions here:
- 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)
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.
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.
