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

Background
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through its Office of Water, is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to provide training and technical assistance aimed at improving water quality and enabling small public water systems to deliver safe drinking water. The EPA's mission includes maximizing funding benefits for communities in need, addressing climate change impacts, and promoting environmental justice and equity. This funding opportunity is crucial for ensuring access to resources that support infrastructure improvements, protect public health, and advance environmental justice at the public water system level.

Grant Details
The EPA seeks applications from organizations with a proven history of providing effective technical assistance to public water systems. The grant focuses on three National Priority Areas:
1) Training and Technical Assistance for Small Public Water Systems to Achieve Compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA);
2) Training and Technical Assistance for Small Publicly-Owned Wastewater Systems;
3) Training and Technical Assistance for Private Drinking Water Well Owners. Each application must address only one National Priority Area. Eligible activities include operator training, financial capacity building, compliance assistance, emergency response planning, and outreach to enhance community engagement in clean drinking water solutions.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include organizations with a demonstrable history of providing effective technical assistance to public water systems. New applicants who have not received an award from the EPA in the past two years are encouraged to apply. The program aims to support rural, small, or Tribal communities, particularly those facing challenges in accessing federal funding.

Place of Performance
The training and technical assistance funded through this grant will be available nationally across all 50 states and U.S. territories.