State-Run Portals Aid Small Communities in Navigating EC-SDC Funding

The Facts -

States Enhance Support for Water Systems Tackling Emerging Contaminants

As communities grapple with the challenge of securing funding to address emerging contaminants in drinking water, several states have taken proactive steps to streamline the process. By establishing dedicated portals and guidance pages, these states aim to simplify grant applications for small public water systems and facilitate access to essential resources.

Innovative approaches in states like Arkansas, California, and Wisconsin have resulted in the creation of comprehensive online platforms that aid small communities in navigating the complexities of EC-SDC or PFAS-related funding.

Streamlined Funding Portals

In Arkansas, a centralized funding dashboard under the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Division tracks water infrastructure funding opportunities, encompassing PFAS and emerging contaminant assistance linked to EC-SDC implementation. California offers a PFAS-focused funding portal through its State Water Board assistance programs, consolidating information about funding opportunities, eligibility, and technical assistance. Wisconsin's portal provides downloadable application forms, environmental review forms, and detailed instructions tailored to small systems.

Other states, like Colorado, Kansas, Maine, South Dakota, and Virginia, have developed detailed EC-SDC guidance pages, while many continue to manage EC-SDC through existing Drinking Water State Revolving Fund offices or general environmental agency websites.

Comprehensive Dashboards

States like Arkansas have introduced dashboards that gather critical information needed for successful grant applications, easing the burden on both administrators and community water system staff. Key features of these dashboards include details on public water system size and type, emerging contaminant sampling data, and links to applicable resources from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Applicants are responsible for assessing EC risk, determining eligible activities, and pursuing funding.

EPA’s Technical Assistance Initiative

The Tackling Emerging Contaminants (TEC) Water Technical Assistance, established by the EPA, supports small or disadvantaged communities by providing direct technical assistance to their water systems. TEC regional administrators analyze contaminant data from state health departments to identify systems eligible for TEC support. This process is guided by the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) which helps detect emerging contaminants, including PFAS compounds.

EPA and TEC teams evaluate this data to prioritize outreach and assist water systems facing significant challenges due to emerging contaminants. Although UCMR data acts as a preliminary screening tool, it does not guarantee funding eligibility. The evaluation considers factors such as system size, community status, and compliance concerns.

TEC’s services are pivotal for communities, offering support in sampling and analysis, technical planning, implementation guidance, operational training, and public outreach, all at no cost.

Urgency in Addressing Funding Utilization

States can accumulate their annual EC-SDC funding allocations, but the EPA is pressing for tangible progress in fund distribution and utilization. Some states can demonstrate their advancements through active portals and guidance, whereas others need to intensify efforts by collaborating with consulting engineers and leveraging resources like TEC Water TA.

For small communities, the EC-SDC grant program is a rare opportunity to tackle emerging contaminants before they escalate into significant public health threats. However, the effectiveness of these grants hinges on communities' awareness of the funding and their ability to navigate the application process. States that streamline applications and boost outreach will likely expedite fund allocation, ensuring protection of drinking water systems before the EPA's support and patience diminish.

---
Read More USA Works News