Thanks to a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Treatment Works, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, Inc. (RCAP) and the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) have partnered to provide training materials and events for decentralized wastewater system owners and the professionals who work with them. Often, decentralized wastewater professionals face greater resource constraints than municipal professionals, particularly when it comes to

For utility systems, emerging contaminants are a growing challenge that was barely on the radar a decade ago. These substances are being detected more often in drinking water as testing improves and more is learned about potential impacts. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) one major group is PFAS (Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), more than 12,000 human-made chemicals commonly found in nonstick coatings, water-resistant fabrics, food packag

Regionalization has become a quickly growing topic in the water industry. This past winter, our Missouri team hosted a hybrid regionalization training, with some participants attending in person while others joined through a live video feed for a groundbreaking total of 80 attendees. Attendees heard from several professionals involved in regionalization projects across northern Missouri. Speakers included Heath Hall of Clarence Cannon Wholesale Water Commission, Randy Garrett

Cybersecurity threats can happen with a single click—and the consequences can be costly. Whether it’s a phishing email, ransomware attack, or accidental data loss, even small mistakes can put your systems and operations at risk. Taking simple, proactive steps can go a long way in protecting your organization. Treat every unexpected email or text with caution. Don’t click links or open attachments you weren’t expecting. When in doubt, call the sender or navigate to the officia

Article by: Brian Day, North Dakota State Field Manager Many rural public water systems (PWSs) are likely to face significant challenges in the near future due to an aging workforce within the water industry. According to a research summary by Zippia, the average age of a water operator is approximately 47 years old; however, this average is often higher in rural communities. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that nearly one-third of the water s

By: Steven Shope, Montana Technical Assistance Provider In 1889, Logan, Montana, like many small communities across the west, was established to provide service to the expanding railroad industry. The community’s plat provided for the housing of railroad employees, townspeople and a commercial district. As with the railroad, the town flourished and at one point Logan even had its own school. The plat laid out multiple lots along several streets terraced on gently sloping top

By: Shelly Underwood, Kansas State Field Manager Published: December 2025 As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to strengthen drinking water regulations nationwide, utility operators and managers face the growing challenge of understanding and complying with evolving requirements. In October 2024, the EPA finalized the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), building upon the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions aimed at better protecting communities f