Training and Technical Assistance to Improve Water Quality and Enable Small Public Water Systems to Provide Safe Drinking Water

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through its Office of Water and Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, administers the Training and Technical Assistance to Improve Water Quality and Enable Small Public Water Systems to Provide Safe Drinking Water program. This federal funding opportunity is authorized under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Section 1442(e) and the Clean Water Act Section 104(b)(3). The program is designed to strengthen the technical, managerial, and financial capabilities of small water systems and related entities to ensure compliance with federal drinking water standards and improve long-term public health outcomes. The EPA plays a national leadership role in water quality protection, and this initiative aligns with broader federal priorities to improve environmental health and infrastructure resilience. The primary purpose of this grant is to provide training and technical assistance to small public water systems, small publicly-owned wastewater systems, decentralized wastewater systems, and private well owners. The program aims to help these entities achieve and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, enhance operational sustainability, and improve water quality. Activities funded under this program are limited strictly to training and technical assistance; infrastructure construction, repair, or equipment upgrades are not allowable. The program emphasizes capacity development in technical operations, financial management, and organizational leadership, often referred to as TMF capabilities. Funding for this opportunity totals approximately $30.7 million, with up to five awards anticipated across three National Priority Areas. These areas include support for small public water systems, wastewater systems and decentralized systems, and private well owners. Award amounts vary by priority area, with the largest awards ranging from $8 million to $13 million. Projects are expected to span a two-year performance period. Applicants must also meet a cost-sharing requirement of at least 10 percent of the requested federal funds, which may be fulfilled through cash or in-kind contributions. Eligible applicants are limited to nonprofit organizations, public institutions of higher education, and nonprofit private colleges and universities. For-profit entities, individuals, and government bodies such as states and municipalities are not eligible. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to deliver training and technical assistance on a national scale, including across all U.S. states and territories. Applications must address only one National Priority Area and comply with strict submission and formatting requirements, including a 13-page project narrative limit. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes standard federal forms such as the SF-424 and SF-424A, along with a detailed project narrative. The narrative must outline the applicant’s approach, workplan, expected outputs and outcomes, budget, organizational experience, and past performance. Evaluation criteria are based on alignment with the selected priority area, ability to deliver services nationally, environmental impact, budget justification, organizational capability, and prior grant performance. Key deadlines include a question submission deadline of April 27, 2026, and a final application deadline of May 13, 2026. EPA anticipates notifying selected applicants in July 2026, with awards issued around August 2026. Questions must be submitted via email to the designated EPA contact, and responses are shared publicly to ensure fairness. The agency does not provide individualized feedback on draft applications. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a significant federal investment in strengthening water system operations and protecting public health nationwide.

Emphasize national coverage strategy, clearly measurable outputs and outcomes, and strong coordination with regulatory authorities; ensure strict compliance with formatting and eligibility requirements