Planning ahead is critical to securing funding and advancing projects, but it does not eliminate risk. Even well-planned utility budgets face uncertainty, from equipment failures to revenue shortfalls that put pressure on operations. In our previous article, we discussed how planning ahead can position your utility to take advantage of funding opportunities. In this edition, … Read more
More funding is on the way to U.S. states and territories to reduce lead in drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recently announced $2.875 billion in funding to protect Americans from exposure to lead. The investment will be dispersed through the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF). Communities can use the funds for identifying lead … Read more
Let’s talk utility rates, trends, and strategy! The 25th edition of the AE2S Annual Rate Survey is now open. Join hundreds of others by participating in the 2026 Utility Rate Survey for a holistic look at your position compared with peer utilities and what the numbers tell you when it comes to water, wastewater, stormwater, … Read more
Shifting economic conditions and evolving funding dynamics are influencing how communities and utilities think about the future. While many of these factors are outside local control, being prepared is not. Strong financial and organizational leadership is less about predicting what comes next and more about reinforcing the fundamentals that allow an organization to respond with … Read more
Case Study: Inver Grove Heights, Minn. Utility rate structures tend to evolve quietly. Categories are added, exceptions are made, and special circumstances are accommodated. Over time, a structure that once felt reasonable can become difficult to explain, administer, or defend. For public works and finance leaders, the question is not whether rates should ever change, … Read more
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking grant applications from nonprofit organizations and government entities for approximately $1.5 million in funding for nonpoint source pollution reduction projects. The deadline for eligible applicants to submit draft applications is February 20, 2026. The Montana DEQ says nonpoint source pollution is the largest cause of water quality impairment in the state’s lakes … Read more