LOC News
EPA Offering Water Technical Assistance for Cities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is continuing to offer “Real Water Technical Assistance” (RealWaterTA), a no-cost technical assistance program intended to help drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities and local governments address infrastructure and compliance challenges.
This resource may be particularly useful for cities that:
- Are unsure where to start on a complex infrastructure or regulatory issue;
- Need help identifying funding pathways or preparing for future funding applications;
- Are evaluating aging infrastructure needs;
- Are working through compliance or operational challenges;
- Need support with planning, technical, managerial, or financial capacity issues; or
- Are beginning conversations around PFAS/emerging contaminates, wastewater challenges, or stormwater needs.
RealWaterTA is focused on helping utilities and communities maintain safe and reliable water services while strengthening technical, managerial, and financial capacity. Assistance may include engineering support, planning assistance, funding navigation, workforce support, and other forms of technical expertise depending on the situation.
Importantly, this is not a grant program and does not provide direct funding. Participation also does not guarantee future funding awards. However, the EPA notes the program can help communities better position projects for funding opportunities.
Cities interested in learning more or submitting a request can access the EPA’s request form here: Real Water Technical Assistance (RealWaterTA) Request Form | US EPA
Contact: Michael Martin, Lobbyist – mmartin@orcities.org
Last Updated 5/8/26