Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA)
All Americans deserve access to clean, reliable water. Yet, too many communities across our nation face challenges in providing safe drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services to their residents. EPA’s Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) initiative is a back-to-basics approach to support drinking water and wastewater systems using proven, best-practice approaches that will most effectively address local needs while partnering with states and Tribes.
Read EPA's News Release about the RealWaterTA initiative.
What is RealWaterTA?
RealWaterTA focuses on public health and compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act. It also prioritizes accountability for technical assistance providers and real-world results. Technical assistance will benefit Americans across the country, especially in rural areas where small systems face challenges operating and maintaining vital water infrastructure.
RealWaterTA focuses on eight priorities when helping water and wastewater systems reliably provide safe drinking water and effectively treat wastewater over the long term. RealWaterTA will:
- Support returning to and maintaining compliance;
- Focus on traditional and innovative water infrastructure;
- Define the scope of technical assistance;
- Strengthen technical, managerial, and financial (TMF) management;
- Empower the water workforce;
- Improve financial readiness and access to financial assistance;
- Reduce inefficient costs; and
- Drive real-world results.
Learn more about the many RealWaterTA Initiatives available.
Help for Your Water System
If your water system is facing challenges such as, but not limited to, updating aging infrastructure, returning to and maintaining compliance, accessing financial assistance, or even removing lead service lines, we encourage you to learn more about who can receive RealWaterTA services and then submit a webform request via the following button:
Click Here to Request Water Technical Assistance for Your Water System
Resources for RealWaterTA Providers
EPA's RealWaterTA providers work closely with communities to understand their water infrastructure needs and plan for the future. Providers are generally non-profit organizations and public and private non-profit universities and colleges and EPA has developed specific resources to support them. Learn more about who can apply to be a provider and how EPA's Office of Water manages RealWaterTA and supports providers in their work with utilities across the country.
Additional Financial Resources
Numerous EPA initiatives and resources are available to further support utilities, municipalities, and Tribes in maintaining regulatory compliance; improving operations; and building technical, managerial, and financial capabilities. Learn more about additional financial resources to support your utility’s water infrastructure needs.