News
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.
2026 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions
The Trump Administration has released its latest Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions, providing a government-wide roadmap of regulatory and deregulatory priorities across federal agencies for the coming year. The Agenda identifies planned rulemakings in active, proposed, and long-term stages, offering stakeholders an early look at policy initiatives that could affect environmental, public health, infrastructure, and other regulatory programs, including several Clean Water Act programs. ACWA will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates on rulemakings of significance to state water quality agencies as they advance through the federal regulatory process.
Congressional Letter: Puerto Rico Water Crises
Earlier this month, 12 members of Congress sent a letter to EPA requesting the agency address the “urgent drinking water emergency affecting the people of Puerto Rico.” The letter presented several important facts related to the crisis including:
- In June, the PRASA detected a rupture in a 72-inch super-aqueduct transmission line
- Despite repairs to this fracture, outdated infrastructure continues to cause significant interruptions in water service
- Roughly 3 million residents are currently experiencing inconsistent access to drinking water.
- The U.S. Drought Monitor has noted that more than half of the island is experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions.
- Experts estimate that 60 percent of the island’s water supply is lost due to leaks in aging infrastructure.
- Extreme weather events such as Hurricanes Irma and Hurricane Maria have further weakened water infrastructure and reduced system resilience.
The letter notes that “[t]here is a dire need to allocate the necessary resources to confront this worsening crisis and to repair the underlying causes of Puerto Rico’s deteriorating drinking water infrastructure.” A copy of the letter can be found here: PR Water Crisis Letter to EPA Administrator.
STEPP Program First Trash Capture Device Verification
The Stormwater Testing and Evaluation for Products and Practices (STEPP) program recently published its first trash capture device verification. This technology – StormTrap TrashTrap – provides trash and gross solids capture treatment. Verified performance information enhances the ability of states and communities to make informed decisions on the use and acceptance of stormwater products and practices. Information on the StormTrap TrashTrap verified technology along with other information on the STEPP program can be found at: Stormwater Testing and Evaluation for Products and Practices (STEPP)
Research Paper: Response to Stream Restoration in an Agricultural Watershed
This multi-year study of the USGS shows that natural, soft engineering techniques installed by Pennsylvania and local partners are delivering results. Several stream restoration practices have “significantly reduced streambank erosion, boosted floodplain sediment deposition, and improved overall stream health in an impaired agricultural watershed.” Key outcomes:
- Stream restoration changed streambank sediment flux from erosional to depositional.
- Restoration increased floodplain deposition the most in smaller headwaters.
- Stream restoration resulted in a seven-fold increase in net sediment retention.
- Digital elevation models produced from drone-acquired data improved assessments.
These DEP-supported restoration efforts not only improved water quality but also contributed to delisting portions of Turtle Creek from the Clean Water Act 303(d) impaired waters list – a major milestone for local ecosystems and for Chesapeake Bay watershed recovery goals. A copy of the paper can be found here: Sediment response to stream restoration in an agricultural watershed – ScienceDirect.
Research Paper: Green Infrastructure Maintenance in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
A group of Chesapeake Bay NGOs recently released a white paper that focuses on green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) maintenance in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Specifically, the white paper focuses on:
- Investigating the current status of GSI maintenance
- Identifying key themes about GSI maintenance
- Providing constructive and useful guidance to assist with challenges
Intended audiences include local government stormwater staff, contractors that perform GSI work on public and private properties, NGOs that intersect with GSI as a partner with other entities, and other practitioners that have a role in GSI maintenance (e.g., HOA or commercial property managers). The white paper can be found here: Green Infrastructure Maintenance in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Association Updates
2026 Water Quality Modeling Workshop – View the Updated 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
NOWRA’s Septic Smart Week Webinar
Date and Time: September 14, 2026, 2-3:30 pm ET
REGISTER HERE
NOWRA is hosting a free webinar for homeowners with on-site wastewater treatment systems (septic systems). Learn how your system works, plus practical tips to extend its life through proper use and regular maintenance. Don’t miss expert guidance on keeping your system efficient and trouble-free.
SepticSmart Week — EPA’s annual awareness event held each year in the third week of September to promote proper septic system care.
The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) is the premier U.S. organization specializing in onsite and decentralized wastewater systems. We educate, advocate for sound policy, and connect educators, regulators, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, and service providers to safeguard North America’s water resources and environment.
NOWRA headquarters is located in Westford, Massachusetts, with local constituent groups throughout the U.S. To find a local member or affiliate group please see our website at:
EPA Office of Water Emergency Response and Cybersecurity (OWERC) Water-Sector Cybersecurity Events
Register for all sessions here:
- 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 Sept. 23, 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
Water Quality Standards Coordinator
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Closing Date: September 6, 2026
For more information and to apply, visit Utah State Jobs.
Environmental Analyst – Underground Storage Tanks and Technical Assistance Specialist
Location: Lowell, MA
Closing Date: September 13, 2026
Email your cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample to jobs@neiwpcc.org by September 13, 2026. Please reference #26-Lowell-004 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.
Assistant Environmental Analyst – Hudson River Stewardship Assistant
Location: Staatsburg, NY
Closing Date: September 20, 2026
To apply, send your cover letter and resume by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by September 20, 2026. Reference #26-HRNERR-003 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.
