News
EPA/USACE Announce Supplemental WOTUS Rulemaking
On September 9, EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM) seeking additional public input on the definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. Comments on the supplemental proposal are due October 9, 2026, and may be submitted through Regulations.gov under Docket ID EPA-HQ-OW-2025-0322.
The supplemental proposal builds on the agencies’ November 2025 proposed rule and presents additional alternatives for defining two concepts central to determining federal jurisdiction following the Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA decision: “relatively permanent” waters and wetlands with a “continuous surface connection” to jurisdictional waters. Under one new alternative, the agencies would generally limit “relatively permanent” waters to perennial waters—those with standing or continuously flowing water every day of the year under ordinary conditions—while allowing limited interruptions caused by drought, low tides, or a regularly occurring dry spell of up to 30 consecutive days.
The SNPRM also revisits the November 2025 proposal’s use of the “wet season” concept, under which a wetland could satisfy the continuous-surface-connection requirement if it abuts a jurisdictional water and has surface water at least during the wet season. EPA and the Army received comments questioning both the legal basis and practical implementation of that approach, including concerns that wetland inundation and streamflow may lag behind precipitation and therefore may not coincide with the defined wet season, particularly in areas affected by snowmelt or other seasonal hydrologic patterns. As an alternative, the supplemental proposal seeks comment on requiring perennial surface water in a wetland that is continuously connected to surface water in the jurisdictional water, subject to limited temporary interruptions, which would substantially narrow the circumstances in which wetlands satisfy the continuous-surface-connection test. The agencies acknowledge that the supplemental alternatives could significantly reduce the extent of federally jurisdictional streams and wetlands compared with the current baseline, with particularly significant effects anticipated in the arid West.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Created in 2004 by the the United States Department of Homeland Security, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an annual campaign held every October to help individuals and organizations learn how to protect their personal data and stay safe online. Throughout October, EPA will be offering a series of trainings designed to help drinking water and wastewater systems strengthen their cyber resilience with courses including both beginner and intermediate level sessions. Whether you are new to cybersecurity or looking to build on existing skills, there is an opportunity for you! The list of training dates can be found here, as can historical recording of previous trainings. Cybersecurity Exercises and Technical Assistance Courses.
No Discharge Zone ICR – Comment Period Extended
The week EPA submitted an information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This ICR focuses on establishing No-Discharge Zones (NDZs) under Clean Water Act Section 312. This is a proposed extension of an ICR, which is currently approved through September 30, 2026. Public comments were initially requested via the Federal Register on April 6, 2026, with a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days with the comment period now ending October 26, 2026. Questions regarding this Federal Register notice can be directed to Catherine Brady at 202-566-2424 or brady.catherine@epa.gov. The Federal Register notice for this ICR and be found at: Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Establishing No-Discharge Zones (NDZs) Under Clean Water Act Section 312 (Renewal).
EO 14430 – Restoring American Saltwater Angling and Recreation
Last week the President issued Executive Order 14430 which the administration claims will deliver “decisive action for America’s recreational fishermen, coastal economies, and outdoor enthusiasts” and further advances the “Make America Beautiful Again (MABA)” initiatives. A press release provided by the United States Department of Commerce notes the order “ends years of restrictive federal policies that sidelined recreational anglers, instead elevating saltwater fishing access as a national priority and empowering recreational anglers, charter operators, boaters, and the businesses that depend on them.” Specifically, the EO indicates federal agencies will partner with states and the private sector to eliminate unnecessary restrictions that harm coastal economies, burden charter fishing businesses, and limit public access to marine resources. Similarly, federal agencies will demand accurate cutting-edge data collection and “empower State-Federal partnerships to produce the information needed for responsible management.” A copy of the EO can be found here: Restoring American Salt Water Angling and Recreation and a copy of the press release can be found here: Press Release: President Trump Signs Landmark Executive Order.
Association Updates
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 Water Quality Modeling Workshop
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.
View the 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.
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: While we have not yet set a cap for the number of virtual attendees per state/interstate/territory, we are currently allowing those folks that complete the premeeting survey to pre-register and ensure they get lock their seat. Registration link is available upon completion of the survey. Pre-Meeting Survey/Pre-Registration Available
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.
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. 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.
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
Environmental Analyst
Location: Grand Isle, VT
Closing Date: September 27, 2026
To apply, submit your cover letter, resume and writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by September 27, 2026. Please reference #26-LCP-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 – Lead Testing in Schools
Location: Providence, RI
Closing Date: October 4, 2026
To apply, submit your cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by October 4, 2026. Please reference #26-RIDOH-001 in the email subject line. Accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description and benefits list may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Deputy Director (Deputy/Chief 6)
Location: Portland, OR
Closing Date: October 5, 2026
For more information and to apply, visit Oregon 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.
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.
