News
CRS Report: Clean Water Act Permitting: Overview and Policy Issues
Last week the Congressional Research Service (CRS) published a report on permitting under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The report covered NPDES permits, 404 permits, and 401 certifications. The report also noted that more than 25 of the 50+ bills introduced during the 119th Congress propose to address some aspect of CWA permitting, more than half include changes to NPDES permitting, more than half include changes to Section 404 permitting, and over a quarter would make changes to Section 401 certification. The report walks through the basics for each program and lists the bills that were proposed through October 14, 2026. ACWA surveys, summaries, and letters are mentioned in the report. A copy of the report can be found here: Clean Water Act Permitting: Overview and Policy Issues
Clean Water Act Hazardous Substance Facility Response Plans
Last week EPA finalized plans to extend the compliance date for Facility Response Plans (FRPs) required by the Clean Water Act (CWA). Plans are designed to address the potential worst-case discharges of CWA hazardous substances. These requirements apply to facilities that could reasonably be expected to cause substantial harm to the environment from a CWA hazardous substance discharge to navigable waters. EPA notes the extra time would allow EPA to consider whether further revisions are necessary. The rule also removes references to climate change and environmental justice. This new final rule would be effective December 14, 2026 and the deadline for compliance would move to June 1, 2030. A link to Federal register notices can be found here: Clean Water Act Hazardous Substance Facility Response Plans: Compliance Date Delay
ECOS Shares Thoughts on BAAJA with Congressional Leaders
ECOS sent a letter to congressional leadership on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 (BAAJA), raising questions, comments, and concerns about provisions that would affect state and federal program implementation, permit review standards, and permitting operations under the Clean Water Act (CWA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and several other statutes. The letter focuses on the bill’s potentially significant changes to the CWA, its implications for cooperative federalism, and the costs and litigation risks it would shift to states.
As ACWA’s analysis of the CWA provisions details, BAAJA contains several significant amendments affecting state and federal implementation of water quality standards, Section 401 water quality certification, Section 402 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting, and Section 404 dredge-and-fill permitting. The bill also establishes new judicial review requirements and includes separate transmission-permitting provisions that expressly cover state Section 401 certifications.
A vote on BAAJA is expected after Election Day. Members are encouraged to share how the bill would affect their programs with their agency leadership and congressional delegations.
Association Updates
2026 National NPDES Program Efficiency Workshop – Registration Closing!
Date: November 4 – 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.
Meeting Details: 2026 National NPDES Program Efficiency Workshop
2027 State Summit on Water Reuse – Save the Date!
ACWA, ASDWA, ECOS, ASTHO, GWPC, and U.S. EPA are pleased to announce that the 2027 State Summit on Water Reuse will take place on Monday, March 1, 2027, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, in conjunction with the annual WateReuse Association Symposium. This free, state regulator-only event provides an opportunity for state regulators from across the country to exchange information, share experiences and best practices, and engage with federal partners on emerging water reuse issues. The Summit will feature perspectives from a variety of states and facilitate discussions on water reuse priorities, opportunities, challenges, and regulatory developments. Previous Summits have addressed topics including potable and non-potable reuse, agricultural and industrial applications, emerging water demands associated with data centers, and federal initiatives such as EPA’s Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP). Additional information, including the Summit agenda and registration details, will be shared in the coming months.
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.
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.
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.
Hawaii’s Wastewater Alternatives & Innovation (WAI) Online Training Approach for Small, Rural, and Tribal Communities
Date & Time: November 5, 2026, 2:00–3:30 PM ET
REGISTER HERE
Discover how Work-4-Water is reshaping workforce development in Hawaii’s water sector. Originally piloted under U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) funding on two islands, this 8-week pre-apprenticeship program was expanded under EPA funding to cover all Hawaiian islands, incorporate on-the-job training (OJT) support, and establish the WAI Decentralized Training Center. Designed to remove barriers to entry, these free online programs equip participants with both scientific knowledge and practical skills. The Decentralized Training Center offers career, water, sanitation, and funding resources to water systems statewide, while Work-4-Water features a flexible, learn-at-your-own-pace hybrid model that delivers real-world, collaborative learning experiences for pre-apprentices.
Water Research Seminar | Practical Monitoring of Wastewater and Surface Water: From Sampling to Data Interpretation
Date and Time: 11-10-2026 @ 01:00 PM (EDT) to 11-10-2026 @ 02:00 PM (EDT)
REGISTER HERE
The session will discuss how wastewater and surface water monitoring can be integrated to identify biological and chemical contaminants, including pathogens and emerging contaminants such as PFAS. Practical monitoring strategies, treatment considerations, and data interpretation approaches will be presented, with emphasis on supporting early detection and informed decision-making. The presentation will also introduce how data analytics and predictive tools can help identify water quality trends and support proactive management. The goal is to provide small-system professionals with practical concepts and examples that can be applied to improve water quality protection and public health decision making.
The Economic Benefits of Protecting Healthy Watersheds
Date and Time: Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 1:00PM-2:30PM ET
Topic: The Economic Benefits of Protecting Healthy Watersheds
EPA is holding a webinar on a new resource “The Economic Benefits of Protecting Healthy Watersheds” is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1, 2026, from 1:00PM-2:30PM EST. This webinar will feature presentations highlighting the measurable economic returns of watershed protection. Experts will provide a primer on healthy watersheds and economic valuation.
Register for this webinar here.
Speakers:
- Dr. Tammy Newcomer-Johnson and Dr. Leah Sharpe, USEPA Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions
- Dr. Peter Caldwell, USDA US Forest Service– Southern Research Station
- Dr. Roger von Haefen, NC State University- Center for Environmental and Resource Economics Policy
- Dr. Marie Gutgesell, ORISE USDA US Forest Service – Pacific Northwest Research Station
Wastewater Lagoon Optimization Strategies
Date and Time: 12-1-2026 @ 01:00 PM (EDT) to 12-1-2026 @ 02:00 PM (EDT)
REGISTER HERE
This webinar covers practical operational optimization practices that can help operators maximize treatment efficiency and maintain compliance in lagoon systems. While lagoons are highly cost-effective, utilities often experience performance declines due to excessive sludge buildup, hydraulic or organic overloading, and short-circuiting. Mastering lagoon optimization techniques empowers personnel to accurately calculate retention times, analyze effluent data, and implement strategies to prevent short-circuiting and optimize overall treatment.
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
Biologist II
Location: Augusta, ME
Closing Date: October 25, 2026
This position will characterize, assess, protect and restore Maine’s estuarine and marine waters in the Marine Unit of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Water Quality Management, Division of Environmental Assessment. This position provides a leadership role in monitoring and research that supports the Marine Environmental Monitoring Program (Title 38, Section 410-F). For more information and to apply, visit Careers at State of Maine.
PARIS and Portal Permit Support (Environmental Specialist 2)
Location: Lacey, WA
Closing Date: October 28, 2026
For more information and to apply, visit Careers at Ecology.
Deputy Director (Deputy / Chief 6)
Location: Portland, OR
Closing Date: November 9, 2026
For more information and to apply, visit Oregon Job Opportunities.
Information Officer – Land Acquisition Specialist
Location: Albany, NY
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
To apply, submit your cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org. Please reference job code #26-NYS-SW-DEC-006 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.
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.
