The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) requests public input on its Clean Water Act (CWA) Financial Capability Assessment guidance. The resource aims to help keep water bills affordable as wastewater systems plan for needed infrastructure upgrades, including collection systems, pumps, and treatment plants. USEPA says the public feedback will be utilized to update USEPA’s guidance … 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
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
Small wastewater systems staff have the opportunity to attend a free webinar series to help small wastewater systems access Federal funding. The organizers, Environmental Finance Center Network and the Capacity Collaborative, says the sessions are designed for decision-makers for wastewater utilities, including mayors, finance officers, utility managers, public works directors, city council/commission members, board members, … Read more
AE2S Nexus has begun mailing or hand delivering the 2025 edition of the annual Utility Rate Survey. We would like to thank the 240 participants this year. AE2S Nexus received responses from 131 systems serving populations 5,000 and greater, 61 systems serving populations less than 5,000, and 48 Regional Rural systems. Survey data was solicited … Read more
Rural, small, and Tribal systems often face unique financial and operational challenges related to workforce shortages and declining rate bases, in addition to the common challenges of aging infrastructure and increasing costs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recently announced $49 million in funding to technical assistance providers to help communities address wastewater challenges through … Read more