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Building the Capacity of Drinking Water Systems

Capacity Development Resources for States and Small Systems

Many organizations across the country provide technical and financial assistance to public water systems.

  • State Capacity Development Programs 
    Provides state-specific compliance assistance and training opportunities for small systems.
  • Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) 
    Professional association serving state drinking water programs that have small systems as their principal audience or those with a separate small system focus.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development: Rural Utilities Service
    Provides:
    • loans
    • grants
    • and loan guarantees
    for:
    • drinking water
    • sanitary sewer
    • solid waste
    • and storm drainage
    facilities in rural areas and cities and towns of 10,000 or less.
  • The American Water Works Association (AWWA)
    Offers resources, workshops, and other assistance to public water systems.
  • The National Rural Water Association (NRWA)
    Supports state rural water associations in providing training programs and on-site assistance in areas such as water system operation and maintenance.
  • The Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP)
    Offers training and technical assistance through six regional organizations for facilities development, management, finance, and planning.
  • The National Environmental Services Center (NESC)
    Composed of five organizations that provide assistance and training materials to support small system management and infrastructure security.
  • Environmental Finance Centers (EFCs)
    Provides:
    • state
    • local officials
    • water systems
    • and small businesses
    with advisory services including:
    • education
    • publications
    • and training.
  • WaterOperator.org
    Supports water and wastewater operators with resources and information.