Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) Information

On this page:

Who can receive RealWaterTA services?

  • Local governments/communities 
  • Drinking water utilities/systems 
  • Wastewater utilities/systems 
  • Stormwater utilities/systems 
  • States, Tribes, territories 
  • Non-governmental organizations  

EPA RealWaterTA aims to assist utilities with applications for federal funding, quality infrastructure, and reliable water services in partnership with drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities and local government. RealWaterTA cannot provide direct assistance to federal facilities or individuals/individual households. 

Request WaterTA for Your Community

If your water system is facing drinking water, wastewater, or stormwater challenges, submit a request for no-cost, direct assistance today!

Click Here to Request Real Water Technical Assistance for Your Community

What can I expect after I submit a request?

  1. After you submit a request form, you will receive a confirmation email from RealWaterTA@epa.gov.
  2. You may also receive a follow-up email or call from EPA, a representative of EPA, or one of our technical assistance providers to clarify your interests and request more fully.
  3. EPA will review the request and respond with potential next steps as soon as possible, depending on the volume of requests we receive. Because many states also offer technical assistance services, EPA may share or discuss your request with the appropriate state agency in an effort to provide the best, most timely assistance available. Requests from Tribal communities may be shared with the Indian Health Service to coordinate assistance.

Please note not every request may be offered technical assistance, and participation in this or other EPA technical assistance initiatives does not guarantee funding through the State Revolving Funds or other initiatives.

What if I have a question about my home’s water?

  • For questions about your drinking water, contact your water utility and/or state drinking water agency.
  • If you think you may have a lead service line or lead pipes in your plumbing, contact your water utility or a licensed plumber to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main (called a "service line") is made from lead. Learn more about important steps you can take to reduce lead in drinking water.
  • If you believe your utility is in violation of a drinking water or clean water standard, or have concerns about potentially harmful environmental activities in your community, report your concern.
  • If you are not sure which resource best fits your need, you can email us for information on how to obtain assistance.

Resources for RealWaterTA Providers

EPA RealWaterTA providers work closely with communities to understand their water infrastructure needs and plan for the future. RealWaterTA providers are generally non-profit organizations and public and private non-profit universities and colleges. EPA has developed specific resources to support  providers.

Who can apply to be a RealWaterTA provider?

Eligible applicants are generally non-profit organizations and public and private non-profit universities and colleges. However, funding eligibility for technical assistance providers varies depending on the initiative. To receive ongoing updates, please sign up for EPA's Water Finance Center email list.

Additional Financial Resources

Numerous EPA initiatives and resources are available to further support utilities, municipalities, and Tribes in maintaining regulatory compliance and building technical, managerial, and financial capacity.

State Revolving Fund (SRF) Resources

Water Finance Resources

Drinking Water Grants

Water System Examples

Technical assistance providers are on the ground helping utilities solve their RealWaterTA challenges. The below videos highlight the back-to-basics support the federal government provided to make real changes in the lives of countless Americans.

Connect with EPA

Contact Us About Water Infrastructure to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on March 4, 2026