EPA Updates IIJA Clean Water Guidance as Capitalization Grants Advance
The EPA updated compliance directives and financial management tools for Clean Water State Revolving Fund capitalization grants funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The guidance requires updated federal signage branding on IIJA-funded water pollution control projects. The agency also promoted digital asset management tools to assist smaller wastewater systems.
In August 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency issued revised administrative requirements for fiscal year 2026 Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund capitalization grants. In alignment with federal transparency directives, project recipients must incorporate standard 'Building a Better America' emblem terms across construction sites utilizing IIJA funds.
Alongside the compliance directive, EPA emphasized tools intended to optimize municipal wastewater management, including the Financing Alternatives Comparison Tool (FACT) and the Wastewater Information System Tool (TWIST). These applications are designed to assist small and rural utilities in evaluating long-term operational costs and recording collection system assets.
The updates arrive as municipal authorities review funding pipelines ahead of expiring federal infrastructure authorizations. Clean water agencies continue to draw down allocated revolving loan funds to finance aeration improvements, pump station rehabilitations, and stormwater reduction projects.
Pillen Announces $38 Million Grant for Norfolk Wastewater Project
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced a $38 million grant to support a $76 million upgrade to Norfolk's wastewater treatment system. The project is designed to modernize the facility and improve long-term operational capacity.
Source: Norfolk Daily News
House Passes WRDA 2026 with Support for Sonoma County
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026, which includes a specific authorization for $60 million in water and wastewater infrastructure funding for Sonoma and Marin counties in California.
Source: Sonoma Sun
Coalition Urges Strong Federal Funding for Water Infrastructure
A coalition led by the American Public Works Association (APWA) is advocating for robust federal funding for water infrastructure, citing the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. The proposed legislation aims to reauthorize and increase funding for both Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds through 2030.
Source: APWA
Don't stop at the article.
The industry's most useful newsletter, straight from the plant floor.
One email. No fluff. New lessons, equipment breakdowns, and process control notes, delivered when there's something worth reading.