Generated by All in One SEO Pro v4.9.9, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # The Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) A National Network of Nonprofit Partners Improving Life in Rural America ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.rcap.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Preparing for a Sanitary Survey](https://www.rcap.org/preparing-for-a-sanitary-survey/) - For many water system operators and managers, the phrase “sanitary survey” can trigger anxiety—even among experienced professionals. That reaction is understandable. Sanitary surveys are important regulatory milestones, and their findings can carry real operational and compliance implications. However, with the right mindset and preparation, a sanitary survey need not be intimidating. When approached correctly, it becomes one of the most valuable tools available for - [Fluoridation: Essential Part of Water Treatment or Unwarranted Addition?](https://www.rcap.org/fluoridation-essential-part-of-water-treatment-or-unwarranted-addition/) - On February 8, 2024, the Kentucky House Standing Committee on State Government voted 16 – 1 in favor of sending HB 141 on to the House floor for consideration. HB 141 is an act relating to water fluoridation programs in Kentucky. In summary, the bill would amend KRS 211.190 to make water fluoridation optional for - [When the Going Gets Rural: Five Challenges TAPs Can’t Escape](https://www.rcap.org/when-the-going-gets-rural-five-challenges-taps-cant-escape/) - Across rural America and U.S. held territories, Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) Technical Assistance Providers (TAPs) help rural communities navigate complex bureaucracies, secure project funding, and implement infrastructure projects vital to regional economies. However, TAPs face unique challenges that make their jobs incredibly difficult. Despite these challenges, dedicated rural development specialists understand their critical role - [Clear Communication is the Foundation of a Successful Rate Change](https://www.rcap.org/clear-communication-is-the-foundation-of-a-successful-rate-change/) - Understanding the Need for a Rate Change When it comes to providing essential services like water and wastewater, maintaining a delicate balance between affordability and sustainability of the system is crucial. As the cost of sourcing, treating, and distributing water continues to rise, utilities may find it necessary to adjust their rates to ensure continued - [RCAP Advances Rural Water Priorities During Water Week 2026](https://www.rcap.org/rcap-advances-rural-water-priorities-during-water-week-2026/) - RCAP Advances Rural Water Priorities During Water Week 2026 This April, the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) joined partners in Washington D.C. for Water Week to elevate the needs of small, rural and Tribal communities and advance solutions to strengthen water infrastructure nationwide. RCAP staff and leadership participated in discussions on regionalization, workforce development and - [Communities Unlimited Assists with Failing Septic System](https://www.rcap.org/communities-unlimited-assists-with-failing-septic-system/) - A failing septic system can cause numerous issues for a homeowner. One of those issues is repairing or replacing a septic system, which can be costly or require more land than is available. Another issue can arise if the failure results in raw sewage leaving the property or impacting other properties. A complaint can be - [Water Crisis Forces a Reckoning in Hot Sulphur Springs, CO](https://www.rcap.org/water-crisis-forces-a-reckoning-in-hot-sulphur-springs-co/) - In spring 2024, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO's water treatment system faltered as snowmelt from fire-scarred watersheds overwhelmed its defenses. The sediment-laden water clogged intake systems and damaged treatment membranes, triggering an emergency that struck at the heart of a small community renowned for its mineral-rich springs—threatening both its heritage and its future. Located between Winter Park’s - [Cybersecurity Advisory for Small and Rural Water Systems Issued by RCAP | April 2026](https://www.rcap.org/cybersecurity-advisory-for-small-and-rural-water-systems-issued-by-rcap-april-2026/) - Due to increased international tensions and recent federal alerts, there is a higher risk of cyberattacks targeting U.S. critical infrastructure, including drinking water and wastewater systems. Small and rural systems are especially vulnerable because of limited cybersecurity resources and greater dependence on remote access tools. Current Threat Overview: Federal agencies, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure - [How Our Wetland Septic System Operates!](https://www.rcap.org/how-our-wetland-septic-system-operates/) - In the United States, over 80% of the population are served by community drinking water. However, only 20% have community wastewater systems. The remaining 80% rely on individual septic systems and decentralized neighborhood systems. This means the chances are high that you or someone you know relies on a septic system. The basic system consists - [Long-term Effects of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment in Logan, Montana](https://www.rcap.org/long-term-effects-of-decentralized-wastewater-treatment-in-logan-montana/) - In 1889, Logan, Montana, like many small communities across the west, was established to provide service to the expanding railroad industry. The community’s plat provided for the housing of railroad employees, townspeople and a commercial district. As with the railroad, the town flourished and at one point Logan even had its own school. The plat - [Maintaining What You Can’t See: Understanding Decentralized Systems](https://www.rcap.org/maintaining-what-you-cant-see-understanding-decentralized-systems/) - According to the American Ground Water Trust (AGWT), approximately one-third of Americans have their own septic systems. Installation of a new 1,250-gallon onsite system can run a typical homeowner around $10,000, including permit fees, excavation costs, plumbing, and installation. This doesn’t even include the upkeep, such as pumping out the tank every three to five - [Water System Achieves Compliance In One Year With Communities Unlimited's Assistance](https://www.rcap.org/water-compliance-cu-rcap50/) - Location: Dickson, Tennessee Issue: Bluebird Hills Water System was out of compliance with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Outcome: Communities Unlimited (CU) provided onsite operational technical assistance, addressing all compliance issues. Communities Unlimited was referred to Bluebird Hills Water System (BHWS) by TDEC. Annie Chiodo, a CU staff member, began working with - [Complying with the U.S. EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI)](https://www.rcap.org/complying-with-the-u-s-epas-lead-and-copper-rule-improvements-lcri/) - As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) works to strengthen drinking water regulations throughout our country, utility operators and managers are overwhelmed with the daunting task of determining how they will comply. The EPA has been working to modify the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR) to bolster public health protections, reduce complexity, and - [Protecting Rural Water Systems in the Digital Age](https://www.rcap.org/protecting-rural-water-systems-in-the-digital-age/) - Elaine is a small town in Phillips County, Arkansas. One of the city’s most urgent challenges is its aging water infrastructure. Elaine Waterworks oversees a sprawling 34-mile system — the largest in Arkansas — with equipment dating back nearly 70 years. Parts of the system are so outdated that replacing key components, like pumps and - [Have You Ever Worked on an Easy Wastewater Project?](https://www.rcap.org/easywastewaterproject/) - I can't speak for everyone, but in my over 40 years of working on wastewater projects, I've never encountered an easy or straightforward one. There are countless factors and circumstances that influence each project. From technical needs to community dynamics, there is an almost infinite number of variables at play. On the technical side, solutions are often site- and community-specific, making them unique to each situation.To add - [Emergency Well Disinfection for Rural Water Systems: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://www.rcap.org/emergency-well-disinfection-for-rural-water-systems-a-step-by-step-guide/) - In rural areas, small utility operators and technical assistance providers shoulder the responsibility to ensure safe drinking water from private and community wells. Well disinfection procedures using bleach are a crucial tool, but sometimes they can feel like high-stakes chemistry experiments. Careful calculations are needed to balance eliminating pathogens with avoiding excessive chlorine levels that could cause health risks or make the water smell like a high school swimming pool; you’ll also - [Reviving Rural Infrastructure: College Springs’ Path to Sustainable Wastewater Management](https://www.rcap.org/reviving-rural-infrastructure-college-springs-path-to-sustainable-wastewater-management/) - In the heart of Amity Township, nestled within Page County, Iowa, lies the small but resilient community of College Springs. With a population of just 214 people, this town faces a challenge that is increasingly common in rural America: aging infrastructure and the absence of a long-term plan to maintain it. At the center of this issue is - [How a Revenue Analysis Can Ensure Water Security for Communities](https://www.rcap.org/how-a-revenue-analysis-can-ensure-water-security-for-communities/) - Arenas Valley, or “Sandy Valley” as it might be loosely translated in English, lies along US 180 in Grant County, New Mexico. This stretch of towns —Hurley, Bayard, Santa Clara, Silver City— draws its lifeblood, in part, from the mixed red and green ores that abound nearby: copper. Traveling along this dry but scenic corridor, one is - [Navigating Through the Waters of WEP Disaster](https://www.rcap.org/navigating-through-the-waters-of-wep-disaster/) - Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” While I have the greatest respect for Mr. Franklin, another certainty is that disasters will also happen. The uncertainty is where or when. Weather events like hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, and flooding are not only a certainty, but the frequency and intensity of - [The Value of Income Surveys](https://www.rcap.org/the-value-of-income-surveys/) - Access to funding has been, and continues to be, a central thread in how the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) increases a community’s technical, managerial, and financial capacity. How access to funding happens comes from potentially numerous different possibilities and hurdles for technical assistance (TA) providers like RCAP. From collaborating with a community on an - [Building Capacity for Rural Water: Highlights from RCAP’s 2025 SRF Workshop](https://www.rcap.org/building-capacity-for-rural-water-highlights-from-rcaps-2025-srf-workshop/) - Last week, the Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) gathered over 140 attendees from 36 states and territories for the 2025 National State Revolving Fund (SRF) Infrastructure Financing & Training Workshop in Seattle, Washington. The event brought together federal and state officials, technical assistance providers, utility leaders and more to tackle one of the most - [Small South Dakota City Leverages Funds to Complete Expensive Sewer System Upgrade](https://www.rcap.org/small-south-dakota-city-leverages-funds-to-complete-expensive-sewer-system-upgrade/) - The City of Faith is a small town located in Meade County, in central South Dakota, and is a hub for cattle ranching, general livestock, farming, and providing accommodations for visiting travelers. With a population of 421, the city has approximately 192 sewer/water service connections to residents and businesses. The famous dinosaur T-Rex called “Sue” - [Flushable Wipes Causing Pump Clogs? Pump Flow Tests Can Alert Operators Faster ](https://www.rcap.org/flushable-wipes-causing-pump-clogs/) - In the world of wastewater collections, there are few things more cringe-inducing than the phrase "flushable wipes." Marketed as a convenient and efficient solution to sensitive tushes and germ-ridden surfaces alike, these fibrous and hard-wearing nonwoven wipes are the bane of rural and urban wastewater treatment facilities. In the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers - [“To Pump, or Not to Pump, that is the question…”](https://www.rcap.org/to-pump-or-not-to-pump-that-is-the-question/) - This is an age-old question that owners of septic systems seem to ask one another. Although misguided, there seems to be some sense of pride of ownership that the longer one can go without pumping their septic tank, the better, more robust system they must have. Not so. Please tell all of your friends! A - [Changing Temperatures Can Set Back Wastewater Lagoons](https://www.rcap.org/changing-temperatures-can-set-back-wastewater-lagoons/) - After a long winter or summer, seasonal changes can be pleasant. However, one side effect of changing temperatures is the undesirable effect produced in wastewater systems, particularly lagoon systems. During the fall and spring months, wastewater lagoons often experience turnover due to changing temperatures. During the fall, cold air decreases the temperature in the upper - [How to Determine the True Cost of a System When Conducting a Rate Study](https://www.rcap.org/how-to-determine-the-true-cost-of-a-system-when-conducting-a-rate-study/) - All small water systems must create budgets and set rates for the communities they serve. For some systems, rates are set to prioritize maintaining the lowest rates possible rather than the physical and fiscal health of the system. Well-intentioned governing bodies may feel they are serving their community’s best interest in keeping rates low. However, - [Getting the Lead Out - Lead and Copper Compliance in New Jersey](https://www.rcap.org/getting-the-lead-out-lead-and-copper-compliance-in-new-jersey/) - As many communities prepare for the Lead and Copper Rule revisions, which focus on improving lead sampling to better protect public health, Allamuchy Township joins numerous others as they work to strengthen their understanding and implementation of the rule and its requirements. Allamuchy Township is located in Warren County, in the northwestern part of New - [Removing Arsenic from A Tribal School's Water System](https://www.rcap.org/second-mesa-rcap50/) - Location: Second Mesa, Arizona Issue: Second Mesa Day School’s existing arsenic removal system was non-functional and the school’s water system had arsenic levels of 18ppb, exceeding EPA’s maximum contaminant level (MCL) Outcome: RCAC staff assisted the system operator to troubleshoot the system and bring it back into compliance with arsenic levels below the MCL Second - [RCAP Testifies on Community Water Systems Before Senate Agriculture Committee](https://www.rcap.org/rcap-testifies-comm-water/) - Jenna Day, director of development for RCAP Solutions, was invited to testify during the Senate Agriculture Rural Development and Energy Subcommittee's hearing, "Rural Water: Modernizing Our Community Water Systems," on July 19. Led by Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), the hearing focused on what is needed to better serve rural customers - [Assessing Your Collection System with a Pipeline Camera System ](https://www.rcap.org/assessing-your-collection-system-with-a-pipeline-camera-system/) - Importance of Assessing Your System In these times of tight budgets and extreme rain events, it makes good financial sense to stay on top of the condition of your wastewater collection system. Having a long-term maintenance and inspection plan in place will help extend the useful life of the system. If an issue is suspected, - [Staff in Nebraska is Helping to Build a Sustainable, Resilient Utility Workforce](https://www.rcap.org/staff-in-nebraska-is-helping-to-build-a-sustainable-resilient-utility-workforce/) - Sustainable resilience is the ability and capacity to withstand adversity by having a healthy and viable drinking water or wastewater utility that can bounce back from difficult risk events that may impact a utility. In order for utilities to develop infrastructure that’s resilient to natural and human-based risk events, they also need to develop staff - [System Vulnerability Assessments and Emergency Response Plans](https://www.rcap.org/system-vulnerability-assessments-and-emergency-response-plans/) - SERCAP team members in Virginia have been making calls to small public works directors and water and wastewater utility operators across the state to engage them in writing, updating, and revising system vulnerability assessments and emergency response plans for their water and wastewater utilities. As is the case with any type of project, it is - [Prudent Board Training in Prudence Island, Rhode Island](https://www.rcap.org/prudent-board-training-in-prudence-island-rhode-island/) - Among small and rural communities, those with water utilities face additional complexities that range across a vast spectrum of realities and considerations. These can range from topics such as source water programs and additional water treatment to emergency response plans and access to funding to managerial support and training. RCAP Solutions has continued to help - [Effective Communication with the Community](https://www.rcap.org/effective-communication-with-the-community/) - Despite the lack of knowledge among many individuals regarding the workings of their local water utility, the expectations of customers concerning drinking water tend to be high. These expectations, however, do not account for the challenges faced by utilities, particularly smaller ones, in delivering their product. When issues arise or changes must be made, customers - [Resolving Inflow and Infiltration Issues in a Growing Community](https://www.rcap.org/resolving-inflow-and-infiltration-issues-in-a-growing-community/) - Members from Communities Unlimited’s (CU) Environmental Team recently visited the rural community of Martindale, Texas, population 1250. Located in the fast-growing region of Central Texas, this small city owns and operates its own wastewater treatment plant, while the city’s drinking water is provided by the Martindale Water Supply Corporation. The original reason for the visit - [The Beginner's Guide to Geospatial Asset Management](https://www.rcap.org/the-beginners-guide-to-geospatial-asset-management/) - The biggest problem that we’re facing is that nobody knows where all the stuff is. Our current operator has been here for 40 years, and he knows every single meter and dog in the town, but his son is trying to train to take over for him and he can’t figure out where anything is! - [How Smoke Testing Can Help Your Small Wastewater Collection System](https://www.rcap.org/how-smoke-testing-can-help-your-small-wastewater-collection-system/) - Every year as wastewater systems continue to age, thousands of additional gallons of non-wastewater make their way to the treatment facility. Or even worse, actual wastewater leaves the system before being properly treated. As any system ages, it will begin to weaken, and at that point, additional water either enters the system or exits the - [Red Cliff Wastewater Treatment Plant Compliant Treatment Process](https://www.rcap.org/red-cliff-wastewater-treatment-plant-compliant-treatment-process/) - Red Cliff Public Works Department, which includes the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe’s wastewater treatment plant, is located on the southern shores of Lake Superior. The Wastewater Treatment Department is run by the Public Works Administrator, along with two operators. They are also hiring a new Assistant Director. Aided by the many years - [Meeting the October 2024 Deadline: A Quick Guide for Water Utilities Struggling to Get Started with Lead Service Line Inventory Compliance](https://www.rcap.org/meeting-the-october-2024-deadline-a-quick-guide-for-water-utilities-struggling-to-get-started-with-lead-service-line-inventory-compliance/) - The Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) mandate that all Community Water Systems (CWS) and Non-Transient, Non-Community Water Systems (NTNCWSs) submit an initial inventory of their service lines by October 16, 2024. This can be a significant undertaking for many small, rural water systems that often lack historical records, adequate staffing, or other resources to - [What is the Most Important Business in Your Community?](https://www.rcap.org/what-is-the-most-important-business-in-your-community/) - When doing board training, I often ask the audience, “What is the most important business in your community?” The answer always varies – the local manufacturing plant, the large tech distribution center, the big box store, etc. I rarely hear the answer I believe to be true – the community’s water and/or wastewater system. The - [Pembroke Township Public Water System Training and Assistance for Drinking Water Operators](https://www.rcap.org/pembroke-township-public-water-system-training-and-assistance-for-drinking-water-operators/) - Pembroke Township Public Water System is an unincorporated Community Water System in the town of Hopkins Park, IL, in rural Kankakee County. It is a small water system that provides potable water to 287 customers outside of the village, to allow them the same benefit of safe drinking water as their village neighbors enjoy. The - [Communicating About Lead in Drinking Water](https://www.rcap.org/communicating-about-lead-in-drinking-water/) - Under the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), Public Water Systems are required to create a lead service line inventory (LSLI) and make it accessible to customers by October 16, 2024. Under the proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), new public notification and education requirements may be required to protect public health. These - [Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck - GIS Mapping](https://www.rcap.org/getting-the-most-bang-for-your-buck-gis-mapping/) - It's no secret that Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have been around for some time, but have taken off in recent years among the small systems world. This is a brief story on how one small town in Iowa has fully embraced GIS for their work, and how they are getting the best return on investment - [Board Relationships: Navigating the Waters of Governance and Operations](https://www.rcap.org/board-relationships-navigating-the-waters-of-governance-and-operations/) - In organizational governance, especially water management, the connection between boards and operational entities holds great significance. This relationship is crucial for achieving both long-term strategic objectives and day-to-day operational goals. To put it simply, trust, transparency, and open communication form the basis of this relationship. Boards are responsible for overseeing strategies, while operational entities, like - [The Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) Helps Island Community Retain Local Water System Ownership](https://www.rcap.org/the-rural-community-assistance-corporation-rcac-helps-island-community-retain-local-water-system-ownership/) - An island community in Washington state faced a challenge when its water system’s private investor-owners decided to sell. Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) Assistant Regional Field Manager Dessa Wells worked with local residents to obtain U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD) funds to purchase and make improvements to the system. About the Community Burton - [Big Changes for a Small Water System](https://www.rcap.org/big-changes-for-a-small-water-system/) - “Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Association-- those are big words!” laughs Tracie Johnson of the newly-formed Southern New Mexico Water Association. Serving approximately 120 rural households, the Enchanted Forest community water system was nestled in a rugged section of Lincoln County in Southern New Mexico that had been experiencing numerous wildfires and drought over much of - [An Elementary Look at Water Pollution](https://www.rcap.org/an-elementary-look-at-water-pollution/) - Water is the most precious resource on the planet. Our rivers, lakes, and oceans make up seventy-one percent of the earth’s surface; no one can live without water, but clean and fresh water is becoming harder to find. Water pollution occurs when harmful chemicals or microorganisms get into a river, lake, ocean, or aquifer, making - [Colonias in Texas: Improving the Quality of Life One Flush At a Time](https://www.rcap.org/colonias-in-texas-improving-the-quality-of-life-one-flush-at-a-time/) - Colonias are defined as a geographic area located within 150 miles of the Texas-Mexico border that has a majority population composed of individuals and families of low and very low income (taken from https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/cdbg-colonias/colonias-history/). While Colonias in Texas may have an unfortunate negative connotation due to their residents' poor quality of life along the border - [Investigating Inflow & Infiltration](https://www.rcap.org/investigating-inflow-infiltration/) - Importance of Addressing Inflow & Infiltration When water from outside sources enters a wastewater collection system, it’s known as “Inflow & Infiltration”, or “I&I”. When a system suffers from too much groundwater and/or stormwater entering too quickly, with each rain event, it risks overflows, spills, back-ups, and regulatory violations. Over the long term, the increased - [Water and Wastewater Utility Asset Management: Vehicles](https://www.rcap.org/water-and-wastewater-utility-asset-management-vehicles/) - There are innumerable articles, webinars, books, training sessions and publications that address asset management for water and wastewater utility systems. Though philosophies and frameworks vary, all of them essentially say, “Know what you have.” When we think about utility assets, we tend to picture structures such as pump houses, treatment plants, tanks, vaults, basins, the - [Wastewater Maintenance: Drawdown Pump Test](https://www.rcap.org/wastewater-maintenance-drawdown-pump-test/) - How do you respond when your car reminds you it is time for a check-up? Or when your calendar sends a reminder that it is time for a doctor’s appointment or teeth cleaning? Nearly everything, from our bodies to our appliances, requires maintenance to survive without breakdown. Preventative care is usually less expensive than costly - [When the Going Gets Rural: Five Challenges Technical Assistance Providers Can’t Escape](https://www.rcap.org/when-the-going-gets-rural-five-challenges-technical-assistance-providers-cant-escape/) - Across rural America and U.S.-held territories, RCAP technical assistance providers (TAPs) help rural communities navigate complex bureaucracies, secure funding and implement infrastructure projects vital to regional economies. However, TAPs face unique challenges that make their jobs incredibly difficult, to put it mildly. Despite the headaches, dedicated rural development specialists understand their critical role as a - [A Primer on Wastewater Utility Rate Review and Increases](https://www.rcap.org/a-primer-on-wastewater-utility-rate-review-and-increases/) - Sewer customers may be familiar with the notices, “Due to rising costs, the monthly price of your service is set to increase during your next billing cycle.” So why do so many wastewater utilities struggle to raise rates? Unlike your favorite subscription service, wastewater utility customers do not have the choice of pausing or canceling - [Savannah Army Depot: A new RCAP Challenge](https://www.rcap.org/savannah-army-depot-a-new-rcap-challenge/) - At the end of 2023, the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) received a referral to start work with the Savannah Army Depot that had been significantly reduced in size. The site was located just outside Savannah, Illinois, on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River in Jo Davies and Carroll County. At one time, - [Challenges of a Tribal City: Eagle Butte, SD](https://www.rcap.org/challenges-of-a-tribal-city-eagle-butte-sd/) - State recognized municipalities located within Tribal boundaries can sometimes have unique challenges not seen in a typical small town. The incorporated city of Eagle Butte, South Dakota (population 1,258, of which 88% are American Indian) is the home of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) Tribal headquarters and lies inside the boundaries of this Tribal - [Streamlining Operations: GIS as the One-Stop Shop for Small Water Utilities](https://www.rcap.org/streamlining-operations-gis-as-the-one-stop-shop-for-small-water-utilities/) - Water utilities are constantly juggling the management of their physical and digital infrastructure. With a myriad of assets ranging from pump stations and storage tanks to valves, hydrants, and pipes, proactive management of these assets can seem insurmountable for operators, particularly those overseeing small to medium-sized systems with limited resources. For staff managing these utilities - [Line Installation: How to Avoid Future Nightmares](https://www.rcap.org/line-installation-how-to-avoid-future-nightmares/) - Many small systems find themselves in dire straits during extreme weather events due to improper installation of waterlines during the original construction of the system. These issues often become apparent during events such as droughts, high temperatures, or sub-freezing conditions. In these scenarios, the costs of repairs can be substantial, and affected customers may experience - [Saving Our Most Valuable Asset with Safety Training](https://www.rcap.org/saving-our-most-valuable-asset-with-safety-training/) - According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, for every 100 employees in the water, sewage, and other systems-related industries, 5.4 employees sustained injuries. Of those injured, 2.8 out of every 100 employees were injured severely enough to result in missed work, job transfers, or restricted duties (http://bls.gov/web/osh/table-1-industry-rates-national.html). These statistics highlight a clear - [Attracting Young Talent to the Water Infrastructure Industry](https://www.rcap.org/attracting-young-talent-to-the-water-infrastructure-industry/) - In today's ever evolving world, it is crucial to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. According to a recent study by McKinsey & Co., over 70% of American Millennials define their sense of purpose through work. Millennials seek opportunities to make meaningful contributions that align with their broader values. Working in water - [RCAC Helps Kotzebue Navigate Arctic Water Crises](https://www.rcap.org/rcac-helps-kotzebue-navigate-arctic-water-crises/) - KOTZEBUE, Alaska — After weeks of punishing Arctic temperatures in the winter of 2024, residents served by the Swan Lake Water Loop in Kotzebue, Alaska, met a harsh reality: their water had stopped running. For this predominantly Iñupiat community of 3,100 situated on a narrow sand spit above the Arctic Circle, it was the second - [Breakpoint Chlorination: What is it? Why is it so important?](https://www.rcap.org/breakpoint-chlorination-what-is-it-why-is-it-so-important/) - How many operators truly understand breakpoint chlorination? Both new and experienced operators continue to face challenges in comprehending its significance and determining whether their system has achieved an adequate residual level. Breakpoint chlorination is not simply about attaining an arbitrary free chlorine concentration. It is, in fact, defined as “the point at which enough chlorine - [The Story of Hysham, Montana | RCAP Narrative](https://www.rcap.org/the-story-of-hysham-montana-rcap-narrative/) - Hysham is a small community of 276 people on the Yellowstone River in eastern Montana. The town has struggled to keep a certified operator and was on a Do-Not-Consume order for more than a year due to the buildup of Manganese in the transmission mains and treatment plant piping. The treatment plant and transmission piping - [RCAP CEO Olga Morales-Pate Interviews with Municipal Water Leader](https://www.rcap.org/rcap-ceo-olga-morales-pate-interviews-with-municipal-water-leader/) - Municipal Water Leader Magazine recently published an article highlighting RCAP CEO Olga Morales-Pate. The interview's focus spans across the work RCAP does. As a network of six regional partners that operate across the nation, the needs and challenges of each rural community can vary greatly. What ties this work together, however, are the dedicated staff, - [The Story of Glen Dale, West Virginia | RCAP Narrative](https://www.rcap.org/the-story-of-glen-dale-west-virginia-rcap-narrative/) - Per- and Polyfluorniated substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals used for decades to make non-stick and water-resistant consumer products. Exposure to PFAS through drinking water is a global health concern. In 2021, the city of Glen Dale, West Virginia identified PFAS in their drinking water. See how this city is battling PFAS contaminants and what their - [Olga Morales Pate Testifies Before House Agriculture Committee on Rural Development Programs, RCAP Farm Bill Priorities](https://www.rcap.org/olga-house-ag-testimony/) - On June 13, Olga Morales-Pate, Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) CEO, testified before the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development. Prior to leading RCAP, a nonprofit network serving all 50 states and the U.S. territories, Morales-Pate spent over 19 years working directly with small, rural, and tribal communities. - [RCAP Joins Hillary Clinton, Columbia University, For A Conversation on Rural and Tribal Infrastructure](https://www.rcap.org/rcap-hillary-conversation/) - Olga Morales-Pate, Rural Community Assistance Partnership Inc. (RCAP) CEO, joined Columbia World Projects and other experts for a discussion on water and wastewater systems in rural areas. The conversation, moderated by former Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, was fruitful and brought together a network of diverse perspectives and backgrounds to discuss the - [Administrative Professionals and Their Continuous Contributions to Water and Wastewater Systems](https://www.rcap.org/administrative-professionals-and-their-continuous-contributions-to-water-and-wastewater-systems/) - Water and wastewater systems are marvels of engineering that require highly skilled operators, but they are also business-like entities that require another set of workers to succeed, typically toiling quietly in the background—administrative professionals. Administrative professionals provide a bevy of vital services to water and wastewater utilities, including: Managing finances, Managing water and wastewater service ## Pages - [RCAP](https://www.rcap.org/) - [SRF Conference](https://www.rcap.org/srf-workshop/) - [Our Impact](https://www.rcap.org/our-impact/) - [Our People](https://www.rcap.org/our-people/) - [Careers](https://www.rcap.org/careers/) - [Senior Communications Manager](https://www.rcap.org/careers/senior-communications-manager/) - Government Affairs Director Salary: $134,845- $151,793.00 Location: Washington D.C. Posting Date: September 29, 2025 We will start reviewing applications: October 10, 2025 Anticipated Start Date: November 17, 2025 Organization Description: The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) is a national network of nonprofit partners that works to ensure that rural and Tribal communities across the - [Policies and Procedures](https://www.rcap.org/policies-and-procedures/) - [Rural Matters](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/) - [Fund Development Coordinator](https://www.rcap.org/careers/fund-development-coordinator/) - Government Affairs Director Salary: $134,845- $151,793.00 Location: Washington D.C. Posting Date: September 29, 2025 We will start reviewing applications: October 10, 2025 Anticipated Start Date: November 17, 2025 Organization Description: The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) is a national network of nonprofit partners that works to ensure that rural and Tribal communities across the - [Training Specialist](https://www.rcap.org/careers/training-specialist/) - Government Affairs Director Salary: $134,845- $151,793.00 Location: Washington D.C. Posting Date: September 29, 2025 We will start reviewing applications: October 10, 2025 Anticipated Start Date: November 17, 2025 Organization Description: The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) is a national network of nonprofit partners that works to ensure that rural and Tribal communities across the - [Chief Financial Officer (CFO)](https://www.rcap.org/careers/chief-financial-officer/) - Government Affairs Director Salary: $134,845- $151,793.00 Location: Washington D.C. Posting Date: September 29, 2025 We will start reviewing applications: October 10, 2025 Anticipated Start Date: November 17, 2025 Organization Description: The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) is a national network of nonprofit partners that works to ensure that rural and Tribal communities across the - [Community Resources & Tools](https://www.rcap.org/community-resources/) - [Advocacy & Research](https://www.rcap.org/advocacy-research/) - [SRF Conference](https://www.rcap.org/srf-conference/) - [RCAP Managerial & Financial Hub](https://www.rcap.org/managerialfinancialhub/) - [REGIONAL PARTNERS](https://www.rcap.org/regional-partners/) - [Programs](https://www.rcap.org/programs/) - [Private Wells](https://www.rcap.org/environmental-programs/private-wells/) - [Agua4All](https://www.rcap.org/special-initiatives/agua4all/) - [About Us](https://www.rcap.org/about-us/) - [Rural Community Assistance Partnership and CoBank Leasing Program](https://www.rcap.org/leasing-program/) - [RCAP WIIN Program](https://www.rcap.org/rcap-wiin-program/) - [Training Events](https://www.rcap.org/training-events/) - [Contact](https://www.rcap.org/contact/) - [Regions](https://www.rcap.org/regions/) - [Blog](https://www.rcap.org/dok/) - [News & Stories](https://www.rcap.org/news/) - [Managerial Hub](https://www.rcap.org/managerial-hub/) - In order to protect public health and provide safe drinking water to communities, it is vital that water systems have strong managerial and financial capacity along with strong technical capacity. Managerial capacity involves drinking water systems having the right people and the right organizational structure to ensure success. And financial capacity involves drinking water systems - [Partners](https://www.rcap.org/partners/) - [Donate](https://www.rcap.org/donate/) - [Webinars](https://www.rcap.org/webinars/) - [Disclosures](https://www.rcap.org/disclosures/) - Financial and ethics disclosure documents from the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP). - [Training](https://www.rcap.org/training/) - [Community & Economic Development V2](https://www.rcap.org/community-economic-development-v2/) - [Environment, Water and Wastewater V2](https://www.rcap.org/environment-water-and-wastewater-v2/) - [RCAP Policy Priorities: Farm Bill](https://www.rcap.org/advocacy-research-old/farm-bill/) - [Environmental Programs](https://www.rcap.org/environmental-programs/) - [Policy Corner](https://www.rcap.org/advocacy-research-old/policy-corner/) - RCAP'S BUILD BACK BETTER (BBB) STATEMENT Please check out RCAP's official Build Back Better (BBB) statement here. - [Asset Management Guide Worksheets](https://www.rcap.org/amgworksheets/) - Place worksheets here. - [Report 2022](https://www.rcap.org/report-2022/) - [Report](https://www.rcap.org/report/) - [RCAP National Conference](https://www.rcap.org/rcap-national-conference/) - [Rural Voices](https://www.rcap.org/rural-voices/) - [Special Initiatives](https://www.rcap.org/special-initiatives/) - [Regionalization](https://www.rcap.org/special-initiatives/regionalization/) - [Rural Homecoming](https://www.rcap.org/special-initiatives/rural-homecoming/) - [Economic Development Programs](https://www.rcap.org/economic-development-programs/) - [Open for Business Hub](https://www.rcap.org/economic-development-programs/open-for-business-hub/) - [Training - time.ly](https://www.rcap.org/training-time-ly/) - [RCAP Fly-In](https://www.rcap.org/advocacy-research-old/rcap-fly-in-field-visits/) - [RCAP Policy Priorities: 117th Congress](https://www.rcap.org/advocacy-research-old/rcap-policy-priorities-117th-congress/) ## Campaigns - [Ferguson Campaign for Water Access](https://www.rcap.org/campaigns/ferguson-campaign-for-water-access/) - In 2026, RCAP is teaming up with Ferguson employees and a growing coalition of partners and donors to bridge drinking water access gaps in schools and local facilities like libraries and museums. As part of RCAP’s national programs that improve water quality and access for small communities, our Agua4All initiative works to:💧Assess the needs of ## News - [NRWA and RCAP Release Regionalization White Paper](https://www.rcap.org/blog/nrwa-rcap-strategic-partnership/) - For Immediate Release Contacts: Coye Gerald, Communications Manager, RCAP, cgerald@rcap.org Charles Stephens, Senior Executive Policy Director, NRWA, charles@nrwa.org National Rural Water Association and Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated Identify Community-Led Regional Partnerships as Proven Strategy for Strengthening Rural Water Systems Findings highlight how voluntary regional collaboration can help rural utilities address infrastructure, workforce and operational - [Annual Impact Report Showcases RCAP’s Fifty Years of Rural Service, Impact, and Innovation](https://www.rcap.org/blog/annual-report-2023/) - FY2023 review demonstrates the difference that RCAP’s more than 350 technical assistance providers and strong relationships with federal partners have on communities across the U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 24, 2024) – The Rural Community Assistance (RCAP) released its Annual Impact Report highlighting the accomplishments and expansion the organization experienced in Fiscal Year 2023 as it - [Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated Applauds EPA Initiative to Strengthen Technical Assistance for Water Systems](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rural-community-assistance-partnership-incorporated-applauds-epa-initiative-to-strengthen-technical-assistance-for-water-systems/) - For Immediate Release Contact: Coye Gerald Communications Manager cgerald@rcap.org Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated Applauds EPA Initiative to Strengthen Technical Assistance for Water Systems RCAP supports renewed federal ‘back-to-basics’ focus on technical assistance for rural communities Washington, D.C. (March 4, 2026) – The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) today expressed support for U.S. Environmental - [Rural Community Assistance Partnership Successfully Concludes 2026 National Fly-In, Highlights Critical Need for Affordable Financing and Technical Assistance for Rural Water Infrastructure](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rural-community-assistance-partnership-successfully-concludes-2026-national-fly-in-highlights-critical-need-for-affordable-financing-and-technical-assistance-for-rural-water-infrastructure/) - For Immediate Release Contact: Coye Gerald Communications Manager cgerald@rcap.org Rural Community Assistance Partnership Successfully Concludes 2026 National Fly-In, Highlights Critical Need for Affordable Financing and Technical Assistance for Rural Water Infrastructure Event elevated rural and Tribal community priorities and underscored need for sustained federal support for essential infrastructure Washington, D.C. (March 3, 2026) The Rural - [RCAP and CoBank Partner on a Leasing Program for Rural Water Systems](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap-and-cobank-partner-on-a-leasing-program-for-rural-water-systems/) - Washington, D.C., January 20, 2026 – CoBank and the Rural Community Assistance Partnership have announced a new leasing program designed to upgrade water meters and other much-needed equipment that keep rural systems functioning properly and efficiently. For years, CoBank and the RCAP have worked together to support rural water systems. These systems provide safe drinking - [RCAP Hosts Agua4All Event Celebrating Access to Safe Drinking Water in lead-impacted Michigan Schools](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap-hosts-agua4all-event-celebrating-access-to-safe-drinking-water-in-lead-impacted-michigan-schools/) - Benton Harbor, Michigan (January 31, 2023) – Students, teachers and administrators will gather on January 31st at Benton Harbor High School to celebrate the installation of ten filtered drinking water bottle filling stations in district schools and receive reusable water bottles which will help the district’s 1,626 students have renewed access to lead-free drinking water - [Palermo Union Elementary School District Success Story](https://www.rcap.org/blog/palermo-union-elementary-school-district-success-story/) - RCAC received a subgrant of $50,000 from RCAP awarded by the Chris Long Foundation’s Water Boys Initiative and Liquid IV to install 7 new drinking fountains and bottle filling stations on four PUESD campuses: Golden Hills Elementary School, Helen Wilcox Elementary School, Palermo Middle School, and Honcut Elementary School. With Hazel Critchfield as the technical - [RCAP Hosts Agua4all Event Celebrating Access to Safe Drinking Water In Pennsylvania Schools](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap-hosts-agua4all-event-celebrating-access-to-safe-drinking-water-in-pennsylvania-schools/) - The Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), RCAP Solutions, the Chris Long Foundation, and Liquid I.V. host event with Scranton School District Scranton, Pa. (May 18, 2023) – Students, teachers, and administrators gathered today at Isaac Tripp Elementary School to celebrate the installation of twenty water bottle filling stations throughout the Scranton School District, the gift - [#RCAP50: Removing Arsenic from A Tribal School's Water System](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap50-removing-arsenic-from-a-tribal-schools-water-system/) - Location: Second Mesa, Arizona Issue: Second Mesa Day School’s existing arsenic removal system was non-functional and the school’s water system had arsenic levels of 18ppb, exceeding EPA’s maximum contaminant level (MCL) Outcome: RCAC staff assisted the system operator to troubleshoot the system and bring it back into compliance with arsenic levels below the MCL Second - [#RCAP50: Overcoming Floods and Civic Dysfunction to Complete A New Wastewater System](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap50-overcoming-floods-and-civic-dysfunction-to-complete-a-new-wastewater-system/) - Location: Silex, Missouri Problem: A dysfunctional local government caused the City to be non-responsive to the State agency representing a significant funding source for improvements to their wastewater treatment system. Solution: MAP staff worked with the Clerk and City Administrator to submit the necessary documents to MO DNR to close the loan, and successfully complete - [RCAP Testifies on Community Water Systems Before Senate Agriculture Committee](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap-testifies-comm-water/) - Jenna Day, director of development for RCAP Solutions, was invited to testify during the Senate Agriculture Rural Development and Energy Subcommittee's hearing, "Rural Water: Modernizing Our Community Water Systems," on July 19. Led by Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), the hearing focused on what is needed to better serve rural customers - [#RCAP50: Water System Achieves Compliance In One Year With Communities Unlimited’s Assistance](https://www.rcap.org/blog/water-compliance-cu-rcap50/) - Location: Dickson, Tennessee Issue: Bluebird Hills Water System was out of compliance with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Outcome: Communities Unlimited (CU) provided onsite operational technical assistance, addressing all compliance issues. Communities Unlimited was referred to Bluebird Hills Water System (BHWS) by TDEC. Annie Chiodo, a CU staff member, began working with - [#RCAP50: Agua4All Program Helps Students Choose Water Over Soft Drinks](https://www.rcap.org/blog/a4a-merced-rcap50/) - Location: Merced County, California Problem: Some areas of the community lack access to safe drinking water. Solution: Through the Agua4All program, RCAC installed water bottle filling stations in county schools and distributed reusable water bottles. More than one million Californians lack access to safe drinking water, and their only alternatives are expensive bottled water or - [#RCAP50: Using Regionalization to Overcome Small Town's Wastewater Woes](https://www.rcap.org/blog/marie-wastewater-rcap50/) - Location: Marie, Arkansas Problem: The town's wastewater system could no longer keep up with treating the school district's wastewater, causing untreated wastewater to be discharged into streams Solution: Communities Unlimited assisted the town in leveraging a Community Development Block Grant to fund its portion of a new wastewater regionalization pipeline The Town of Marie is - [#RCAP50: Bringing A Decentralized Wastewater System Back Into Compliance and Operation](https://www.rcap.org/blog/map-fast-rcap50/) - Location: River Park/River Wood Hills, Minnesota Problem: A decentralized wastewater system was failing and not meeting nitrogren parameters Solution: Midwest Assistance Program Inc. (MAP) assisted the housing district change its operations methods River Park is a housing district in the rolling hills of southeast Minnesota. River Park and River Wood Hills are identical housing districts. - [RCAP Hosts Agua4all Event Celebrating Access to Safe Drinking Water at Abbeville Head Start](https://www.rcap.org/blog/sc-agua4all/) - The Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP), and CoBank host event in South Carolina Abbeville, S.C. (January 26, 2024) – Abbeville students and teachers celebrate the installation of new water bottle filling stations with lead filtration technology at Head Start Centers in Abbeville and McCormick. These new water bottle filling - [New Mexico Convening on Rural Infrastructure Investment Opportunities Yields Fruitful Discussion, Next Steps](https://www.rcap.org/blog/10k-rcap-nm/) - In March 2024, New Mexico hosted the first 10,000 Communities Initiative convening focused on rural infrastructure challenges and opportunities in Albuquerque. The event, sponsored by the Milken Institute and organized in cooperation with the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) and the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) along with the Office of the Governor, brought together - [RCAP Hosts Agua4all Event Celebrating Access to Safe Drinking Water at Allendale County Schools](https://www.rcap.org/blog/a4a-allendale/) - The Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP), Xylem, and the Chris Long Foundation host event in South Carolina Allendale, S.C. (August 16, 2024) – Allendale students and teachers celebrated the installation of new water bottle filling stations with lead filtration technology at the Allendale Elementary School on Thursday. These new - [RCAP Honors Rep. Mike Simpson with 2023 Congressional Champion Award](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap-cong-champion-simpson/) - RCAP and network partner RCAC recognize a member of Congress from their service territory who are exceptional allies of the RCAP Network and rural and Tribal communities across the U.S. Washington, D.C. (May 2, 2024) — The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) and its national network of six regional partners honored U.S. Representative Mike - [RCAP Visits Projects in Rural Communities in South Carolina](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap-visits-projects-in-rural-communities-in-south-carolina/) - During the week of May 12, 2025, over thirty staff and board members from across the RCAP network gathered in South Carolina to visit projects in rural communities driven by the Southeastern Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP). Branchville, SC The first stop was in Branchville, South Carolina (SC). The town is located in a county - [Agua4All Program Splashes Into Scranton School District, Ensuring Safe Drinking Water Access](https://www.rcap.org/blog/agua4all-program-splashes-into-scranton-school-district-ensuring-safe-drinking-water-access/) - Millions of people across the country do not have access to reliable, healthy drinking water and many of these people are located in rural communities. Lead pipes, which are commonly found in older school buildings and childcare facilities, can contribute to elevated levels of lead in drinking water, which is toxic to humans. Children are - [Agua4All Program Assembly | Isaac Tripp Elementary School (Scranton, Pennsylvania)](https://www.rcap.org/blog/agua4all-program-assembly-isaac-tripp-elementary-school-scranton-pennsylvania/) - Millions of people across the country do not have access to reliable, healthy drinking water and many of these people are located in rural communities. Lead pipes, which are commonly found in older school buildings and childcare facilities, can contribute to elevated levels of lead in drinking water, which is toxic to humans. Children are - [RCAP Hosts Agua4All Event Celebrating Access to Safe Drinking Water in Texas Schools](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap-hosts-agua4all-event-celebrating-access-to-safe-drinking-water-in-texas-schools/) - Students, teachers and administrators gathered today at San Augustine High School to celebrate the installation of seven water bottle filling stations in district schools, and to receive reusable water bottles and hydration sticks to help the district’s 687 students stay hydrated in the classroom and on the field. RCAP is partnering with the Chris Long - [RCAP Staff Train on Walking Communities Through Regionalization](https://www.rcap.org/blog/efc-training-tx/) - Twenty-three RCAP regional staff attended a 2-day, in-person regionalization train-the-trainer event in Austin, TX. This event was the first of four train-the-trainer events that will be provided through RCAP’s Environmental Finance Center (EFC) grant in Years 1-2. RCAP EFC + regionalization RCAP has prioritized its EFC work into 7 major technical assistance (TA) areas: Regionalization, - [RCAP to Assist Under-Resourced Communities in Pursuing Transformative Infrastructure Improvements Under DOT’s Thriving Communities Program](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap-tcp23/) - RCAP will support 16 Main Street Communities as a National TCP Capacity Builder Washington, D.C. (April 22, 2024) – The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) is being awarded $4.25 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide project-level technical assistance, planning, and capacity building support to 16 rural and Tribal communities as - [Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated Awarded $150,000 Grant from Global Water Challenge to Strengthen Rural Water Leadership and Resilience](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rural-community-assistance-partnership-incorporated-awarded-150000-grant-from-global-water-challenge-to-strengthen-rural-water-leadership-and-resilience/) - For Immediate Release RCAP Contact: Coye Gerald Communications Manager cgerald@rcap.org Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated Awarded $150,000 Grant from Global Water Challenge to Strengthen Rural Water Leadership and Resilience Funding supports workshop initiative in rural communities nationwide to expand local capacity building Washington, D.C. (June 9, 2025) – The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) - [Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated to Receive $14.6 Million from EPA to Expand Technical Assistance for Small and Rural Water Systems](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rural-community-assistance-partnership-incorporated-to-receive-14-6-million-from-epa-to-expand-technical-assistance-for-small-and-rural-water-systems/) - For Immediate Release Contact: Coye Gerald Communications Manager cgerald@rcap.org Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated to Receive $14.6 Million from EPA to Expand Technical Assistance for Small and Rural Water Systems Funding will support the organization’s mission to deliver critical water services and workforce training in underserved communities nationwide Washington, D.C. (May 28, 2025) – The - [Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated Awarded $17 Million from EPA to Strengthen Rural and Tribal Wastewater Systems](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rural-community-assistance-partnership-incorporated-awarded-17-million-from-epa-to-strengthen-rural-and-tribal-wastewater-systems/) - For Immediate Release Contact: Coye Gerald Communications Manager cgerald@rcap.org Vital federal investment supports organization’s work in underserved communities nationwide Washington, D.C. (April 29, 2025) – The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) has been awarded $14.6 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the agency’s Rural, Small and Tribal Clean - [RCAP Selected by EPA to Host Nationwide SRF Infrastructure Financing and Training Workshops](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap-srf-release/) - WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 8, 2024)- The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) has been awarded a $1.085 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to plan, prepare, and provide technical support for four annual, three-day National SRF Infrastructure Financing and Training Workshops across the nation. These dynamic workshops will bring together hundreds of - [RCAP Joins New White House Partnership on Lead in Drinking Water](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap-joins-new-white-house-partnership/) - Washington, DC—January 27, 2023 — Today, the Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) joined a new Environmental Protection Agency-led partnership to advance lead service line replacement across the U.S. The partnership consists of representatives from the federal government, states, Tribes, local communities, nongovernmental organizations, water utilities, labor unions, and private companies. We thank the Administration and the EPA - [Olga Morales Pate Testifies Before House Agriculture Committee on Rural Development Programs, RCAP Farm Bill Priorities](https://www.rcap.org/blog/olga-testifies-farm-bill-usdard/) - On June 13, Olga Morales Pate, Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) CEO, testified before the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development. Prior to leading RCAP, a nonprofit network serving all 50 states and the U.S. territories, Morales-Pate spent over 19 years working directly with small, rural, and tribal - [Olga Morales-Pate Testifies in Senate Hearing on Importance of Rural Water Infrastructure](https://www.rcap.org/blog/olga-morales-pate-testifies-in-senate-hearing-on-importance-of-rural-water-infrastructure/) - Olga Morales Pate, CEO of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), testified during a U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing, "Accessing Clean Water Infrastructure Assistance: Small, Rural, Disadvantaged, and Underserved Communities," on November 8. In the hearing, several rural water infrastructure topics were discussed, including flexibility and grants. “I would stress the - [RCAP Supports Senate Farm Bill, Urges Swift Passage in House to Bring Expanded Funding and Solutions to Rural Communities](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap-senate-farmbill/) - Washington, D.C. (May 2, 2024) – The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) today announced its strong support for the "Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act,” introduced by the Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D – Mich.). This crucial legislation is aimed at addressing the pressing needs - [EPA Awards RCAP $16.4 Million to Provide Technical Assistance, Training to Small Water Systems and Private Well Owners](https://www.rcap.org/blog/epa-rcap-sdwa/) - WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 10, 2024) - The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) has been awarded $16.4 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist private well owners and small water systems in maintaining compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act including lead service line inventories, and PFAS testing and mitigation. As a - [Annual Report Highlights Impact of RCAP’s Technical Assistance, Advocacy on Rural and Tribal Communities](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap-2022-annual-report/) - FY2022 review demonstrates the difference that RCAP’s 350 technical assistance providers and strong relationships with federal partners has on communities across the U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 8, 2023) – The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) released its annual report detailing how a growing research portfolio, valuable technical assistance services, and consistent advocacy before Congress - [RCAP Supports Bipartisan REACH Our Tribes Act](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap-supports-bipartisan-reach-our-tribes-act/) - Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA 06) and Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY 23) introduced the REACH Our Tribes Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at improving the efficiency of USDA programs that serve Tribal communities. A key provision of the bill is the formalizing on the Tribal consultation process during USDA's budget planning, ensuring more collaboration in decisions - [RCAP Submits Comments on EPA's Proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI)](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap-comments-lcri/) - Since 1973, the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) Incorporated has helped build capacity for and facilitated access to the most basic necessities in rural communities: clean, safe, and affordable drinking water and wastewater services. RCAP uses a locally driven approach in every state and territory to address various needs in rural and tribal communities, driven - [RCAP Calls for Robust Funding and Technical Assistance to Increase Drinking Water Cybersecurity](https://www.rcap.org/blog/small-system-cyber-letter/) - The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) submitted a letter to the chairman and ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials, requesting additional support to enable small, rural water systems meet ever-increasing cybersecurity demands in the face attacks by hostile foreign actors. As the letter states, "For the well over - [RCAP Applauds Senators for Bipartisan Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap-applauds-senators-for-bipartisan-rural-partnership-and-prosperity-act/) - RCAP is a proud supporter of the Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act, introduced by Sens. Bob Casey (D-PA) and Deb Fischer (R-NE), which includes the Rural Partnership Program Grants and Rural Prosperity Technical Assistance Grants that will greatly aid in community and economic development. Read Letter - [RCAP Supports Dr. Basil Gooden's Confirmation for USDA RD Under Secretary](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap-gooden-support/) - RCAP has called on the U.S. Senate to swiftly confirm Dr. Basil Gooden, President Biden's nominee for USDA Under Secretary of Rural Development. In this critical period, especially as Congress endeavors to reauthorize the Farm Bill, robust leadership at USDA Rural Development is indispensable. Read Letter - [Olga Morales Pate's Senate Testimony on Clean Water Infrastructure Funding](https://www.rcap.org/blog/olga-epw-testimony-nov23/) - RCAP CEO Olga Morales Pate submitted testimony to accompany her appearance before the full Senate Environment and Public Works Committee at the hearing, "Accessing Clean Water Infrastructure Assistance: Small, Rural, Disadvantaged, and Underserved Communities." View Hearing - [RCAP Joins Hillary Clinton, Columbia University, For A Conversation on Rural and Tribal Infrastructure](https://www.rcap.org/blog/rcap-hillary-infra/) - RCAP CEO Olga Morales Pate joined Columbia World Projects and other experts for a discussion on water and wastewater systems in rural areas. The conversation, moderated by former Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, was fruitful and brought together a network of diverse perspectives and backgrounds to discuss the various challenges and constraints ## Resources - [NOWRA Homeowners Septic Guidebook](https://www.rcap.org/resources/nowra-homeowners-septic-guidebook/) - Through a grant from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in partnership with the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA), we have developed training materials for educating property owners with an onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS). - [Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Assessment](https://www.rcap.org/resources/onsite-wastewater-treatment-system-assessment/) - This Septic Assessment tool was developed in partnership with the Illinois State Water SurveyRCAP’s EPA RST/Treatment Works funding. It aims to help wastewater operators accurately assess their wastewater treatment systems for record keeping and compliance. - [Resolving Wastewater Treatment Challenges in Small Communities](https://www.rcap.org/resources/resolving-wastewater-treatment-challenges-in-small-communities/) - This guidebook was created to support engineers, regulators, and community stakeholders in identifying wastewater challenges, evaluating decentralized operation & maintenance options, financing strategies, and implementing solutions for small rural communities. - [Finding Resilience in Doña Mayo | RCAP WEP Disaster Narrative](https://www.rcap.org/resources/finding-resilience-in-dona-mayo/) - Dona Mayo, a village in Puerto Rico was hit by two hurricanes between 2017 and 2022. The first, a Category 5, named Hurricane Maria, and then Hurricane Fiona, a Category 4. Despite these natural disasters sweeping over the island in such a short span of time, Doña Mayo steadily worked to rebuild and maintain its water systems. RCAP Solutions Caribbean, the mayor, and the residents of Doña Mayo worked tirelessly and collaboratively to arrive at solutions they faced in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and Fiona. - [Recovering From a Disaster in Kentucky | An RCAP Narrative](https://www.rcap.org/resources/recovering-from-a-disaster-in-kentucky/) - After a devastating storm near the Kentucky and Tennessee border in 2022, the communities had to rebuild homes, businesses, churches, and infrastructure. RCAP and the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership worked together with the communities to provide bottled water, technical assistance, FEMA applications, and much more. This video showcases the teamwork required to recover from the losses of a natural disaster. - [Working with Communities on Decisions for Innovative Treatment Technologies](https://www.rcap.org/resources/innovative-water-treatment-decision-making-helping-communities-make-informed-local-decisions-on-non-treatment-alternatives-guide/) - This guide helps technical assistance providers, small communities, and stakeholders make informed and suitable local decisions on non-treatment and treatment alternatives for (emerging) contaminants, like PFAS, and when more innovative technologies may be needed. - [RCAP Technical Assistance for Tribal Communities under Environmental Finance Center (EFC) Funding](https://www.rcap.org/resources/rcap-technical-assistance-for-tribal-communities-under-environmental-finance-center-efc-funding/) - One of the main focuses of this EFC work is to help ensure Tribes can access funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and to secure funding through the IHS and/ or other sources as applicable. The BIL provides the largest federal investment in water in the history of the United States, including over $50 billion in water infrastructure investments. - [Federal Emergency Management Agency: Supporting Rural Infrastructure After Hurricane Ian](https://www.rcap.org/resources/federal-emergency-management-agency/) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErJBzm59N4c When Hurricane Ian struck Hardee County, it didn’t just flood roads — it shattered lives. This is the story of a rural community fighting back, with RCAP and SERCAP by their side, rebuilding hope one step at a time. - [The Non-Operator’s Guide to Wastewater Systems](https://www.rcap.org/resources/the-non-operators-guide-to-wastewater-systems/) - Explains in simple, everyday language the various components/operations of a small wastewater system from when the customer flushes his/her toilet through collection, treatment, and return to source. - [RCAP Webinar Archive](https://www.rcap.org/resources/rcap-webinar-archive/) - If you’re looking for recordings of National Office webinars we have done in the past, please click here for an archive of those webinars. - [RCAP Report Resiliency Through Water and Wastewater System Partnerships: 10 Lessons from Community Leaders](https://www.rcap.org/resources/rcap-report-resiliency-through-water-and-wastewater-system-partnerships-10-lessons-from-community-leaders/) - The report highlights 10 lessons from community leaders who undertook and facilitated regional collaboration. - [Supplying Community Water](https://www.rcap.org/resources/supplying-community-water/) - This video talks about what being on a governing body involves. - [Enhancing Rural Innovation in ­the ­United States](https://www.rcap.org/resources/enhancing-rural-innovation-in-the-united-states_report/) - This report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), “Enhancing Rural Innovation in ­the ­United States,” is part of a collaboration between RCAP and the OECD and is part of a larger research undertaking by the OECD on rural innovation around the world. In summary: “When it comes to high‑tech innovations, the United - [Preparing Your Wastewater System for Disasters and Emergencies](https://www.rcap.org/resources/preparing-your-wastewater-system-for-disasters-and-emergencies-2/) - This video for boards and staff identifies some ways that systems should prepare themselves for disasters and emergencies, whether they originate inside or outside the system. - [Budget Worksheet for Water Systems](https://www.rcap.org/resources/budget-worksheet-for-water-systems/) - A worksheet in Microsoft Excel format that provides a general overview of the annual budget. Calculations are performed automatically within the Excel program. - [AWIA Risk Assessment and Emergency Response Plan Requirement for Community Water Systems Fact Sheet](https://www.rcap.org/resources/new-awia-risk-assessment-and-emergency-response-plan-requirement-for-community-water-systems-fact-sheet/) - [10 Ways to Prepare for a Drought Related Water Shortage](https://www.rcap.org/resources/10-ways-to-prepare-for-a-drought-related-water-shortage/) - 1. Develop a water-shortage response plan with detailed actions for water conservation and, in extreme situations, water curtailment. Drought is another form of drinking water emergency, one you can plan and prepare for. 2. Designate a water-shortage or emergency-response coordinator to ensure effective preparation, communication and technical procedures are in place. 3. Develop a conservation - [The Role Mapping Serves for Your Small, Rural, or Tribal Utility](https://www.rcap.org/resources/fact-sheet-worksheet-guide-book/) - This combination of location data (or spatial data) and information about that location (or attribute data) can be managed in a Geographic Information System (GIS). More affordable and easier to use software and the wide availability of computers and smartphones makes it much, much easier for a small utility to use GIS. This guide provides some of the benefits and considerations of using GIS. - [Rural Homecoming Toolkit](https://www.rcap.org/resources/join-in-a-national-celebration-of-rural-communities/) - Download the toolkit, find communities resources & connect with other participants. - [Regionalization Guidebook](https://www.rcap.org/resources/regionalization-guidebook/) - The publication will explain the diverse spectrum of regional collaboration options available, examples of how they have been implemented successfully including best practices, benefits, and barriers, as well as tools and resources to help navigate the process. This guidebook is meant for both community and water/wastewater utility leaders and staff as well as for the - [Preparing Your Wastewater System for Disasters and Emergencies](https://www.rcap.org/resources/preparing-your-wastewater-system-for-disasters-and-emergencies/) - A disaster or emergency can hit anywhere, anytime. Wastewater treatment is a critical service in your community, which cannot go without this service for very long without running into serious trouble. Treating wastewater protects the health of your community’s residents and the environment, and a disaster or emergency could disrupt treatment and put the health - [RCAP Service Line Inspection Videos](https://www.rcap.org/resources/rcap-service-line-inspection-videos/) - Check out our latest videos on service line inspections and potholing! Big thanks to the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) and the Village of New Concord, OH! - [Demystifying Disinfection Video](https://www.rcap.org/resources/demystifying-disinfection-video/) - RCAP 2024 Demystifying Disinfection V2 from Tim Frakes on Vimeo. - [Chemical Safety Training Video](https://www.rcap.org/resources/chemical-safety-training-video/) - RCAP 2024 Chemical Safety V2 from Tim Frakes on Vimeo. - [Procurement and Purchasing Policy](https://www.rcap.org/resources/procurement-and-purchasing-policy/) - [RCAP Plant Tour Cheboygan Wastewater Treatment Plant Oxidation Ditch Upgrade](https://www.rcap.org/resources/rcap-plant-tour-cheboygan-wastewater-treatment-plant-oxidation-ditch-upgrade/) - RCAP Plant Tour Cheboygan Wastewater Treatment Plant Oxidation Ditch Upgrade V4 from Tim Frakes on Vimeo. - [RCAP 2023 Sludge Judge Training](https://www.rcap.org/resources/rcap-2023-sludge-judge-training/) - RCAP 2023 Sludge Judge Training V2 from Tim Frakes on Vimeo. - [Energy Efficiency at Wastewater Treatment Facilities](https://www.rcap.org/resources/energy-efficiency-at-wastewater-treatment-facilities/) - Energy Efficiency at Wastewater Treatment Facilities from RCAP on Vimeo. Are your community’s utility costs rising faster than revenues? Are you afraid or unwilling to raise your rates? How would you like to cut your utility’s energy bills by 10 to 40 percent or more? Facts: 30 to 60 percent of a municipality’s energy budget - [CEO Nathan Ohle, On RCAP's Disaster Work](https://www.rcap.org/resources/ceo-nathan-ohle-on-rcaps-disaster-work/) - [eLearning Modules in our RCAP Learning Management System (LMS)](https://www.rcap.org/resources/elearning-modules-in-our-rcap-learning-management-system-lms/) - RCAP's eLearning modules are online in our RCAP LMS (Learning Management System) Catalog (free access). You can try them out by going here: https://rcap.talentlms.com/catalog These training tools complement the newly updated RCAP guidance manuals (2021): “Formulate Great Rates” guide and “The Big Guide for Small Systems.” Go ahead and sign in with your name and - [Federal Funding for Water Infrastructure Webmap](https://www.rcap.org/resources/fedfundwatermap/) - RCAP developed a webmap to help technical assistance providers and others identify communities that have, and have not, received federal funding for water infrastructure over the last twenty years. This data can help prioritize outreach and technical assistance for small, rural, and Tribal communities across the country that most need support to access funding for - [Southwest Environmental Finance Center: Asset Management Switchboard](https://www.rcap.org/resources/southwest-environmental-finance-center-asset-management-switchboard/) - A repository of documentation and tools related to Asset Management. - [EPA: Interactive Asset Management Tools for Owners and Operators](https://www.rcap.org/resources/epa-interactive-asset-management-tools-for-owners-and-operators-2/) - Resources for water utilities on asset management including factsheets, EPA’s STEP Guide on asset management, electronic preventive maintenance logs, a knowledge retention tool, and resources on conducting a water system inventory. - [EPA: Interactive Asset Management Tools for Owners and Operators](https://www.rcap.org/resources/epa-interactive-asset-management-tools-for-owners-and-operators/) - Resources for water utilities on asset management including factsheets, EPA’s STEP Guide on asset management, electronic preventive maintenance logs, a knowledge retention tool, and resources on conducting a water system inventory. - [Asset Management for Small Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems](https://www.rcap.org/resources/asset-management-for-small-drinking-water-and-wastewater-systems/) - A starting point for creating an asset management plan for small water and wastewater systems in rural and Tribal communities. Worksheet: Basic Inventory for Small Systems Spanish Version: Download Asset Management Guidebook in Spanish - [Asset Management](https://www.rcap.org/resources/asset-management/) - A planning process related to managing a utility’s assets in a sustainable way. - [Asset Life Expectancy Guide](https://www.rcap.org/resources/asset-life-expectancy-guide/) - A list of the expected useful life of common drinking water assets. - [Affordability and Capability Issues of Small Water and Wastewaters Systems: A Case for Regionalization of Small Systems](https://www.rcap.org/resources/affordability-and-capability-issues-of-small-water-and-wastewaters-systems-a-case-for-regionalization-of-small-systems/) - There is widespread agreement that water and wastewater services are vital to the sustainability of a community, but small rural towns face considerable and persistent challenges in developing and maintaining them. Small water and sewer systems face mounting pressures and increasingly difficult decisions. They must juggle the cost of meeting ever more stringent regulations under - [Regional Partnership Program: A Community-Led Approach](https://www.rcap.org/resources/regional-partnership-program-a-community-led-approach/) - RCAP and the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) released an analysis examining how voluntary regional partnerships can help strengthen water and wastewater systems serving small and rural communities. - [Regionalization: RCAP’s Recommendations for Water and Wastewater Policy](https://www.rcap.org/resources/regionalization-rcap-recommendations/) - In May 2021, RCAP released a new report, “Regionalization: RCAP's Recommendations for Water and Wastewater Policy,” which focuses on local, state, and federal policies that encourage and those that hinder regional solutions and includes recommendations at all levels of government to better support regionalization moving forward. The report highlights 22 recommendations from RCAP that should - [A Resource for Small Utilities: The Role Mapping Serves for your Small, Rural, or Tribal Utility](https://www.rcap.org/resources/a-resource-for-small-utilities-the-role-mapping-serves-for-your-small-rural-or-tribal-utility/) - Our newest guidebook on how technology has advanced in ways that make it much easier for small, rural, or tribal utilities to map their infrastructure. Technology has advanced in ways that make it much easier for small, rural, and tribal utilities to map their infrastructure, use that location data to quickly and easily organize service - [New Research Prioritizes 10 Lessons Learned from Rural Water and Wastewater Partnerships](https://www.rcap.org/resources/regionalizationresearch/) - In March 2020, RCAP released a new report, “Resiliency Through Water and Wastewater System Partnerships: 10 Lessons from Community Leaders,” which looks at community utility partnerships from a rural and tribal perspective. As small communities across the country seek solutions for common economic, operational and compliance challenges, this research highlights the experiences of those who - [The Role Mapping Serves for Your Small, Rural, or Tribal Utility](https://www.rcap.org/resources/the-role-mapping-serves-for-your-small-rural-or-tribal-utility/) - Technology has advanced in ways that make it much easier for small, rural, and tribal utilities to map their infrastructure, use that location data to quickly and easily organize service delivery, and coordinate operation and maintenance of their infrastructure in an affordable and effective way. Below is our newest GIS Guidebook, The Role Mapping Serves - [Sustainable Infrastructure for Small System Public Services: A Planning and Resource Guide](https://www.rcap.org/resources/sustainable-infrastructure-for-small-system-public-services-a-planning-and-resource-guide/) - Rather than presenting theories, this guidebook provides information, worksheets, examples, case studies and resources on water conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy resources for small utilities. - [The Non-Operator’s Guide to Drinking Water Systems](https://www.rcap.org/resources/the-non-operators-guide-to-drinking-water-systems/) - This guide to the operations of drinking water systems for non-technical audiences is designed to explain a typical small-community water system—from the source of the drinking water, through the treatment process, to the customer’s tap — in an easy-to-understand manner. - [Wastewater Operator Resources](https://www.rcap.org/resources/wastewater-operator-resources/) - RCAP and its partners have put together a wastewater operator resource hub that can be distributed to remote operators. This project was completed under our EPA NPA 2 23 - 25 grant. Wastewater Operator Resource Hub - [Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems: An Operation and Maintenance Service Provider Program](https://www.rcap.org/resources/residential-onsite-wastewater-treatment-systems-an-operation-and-maintenance-service-provider-program/) - The Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems manual serves as additional material for learning and as a resource for decentralized service providers. - [A Water/Wastewater Utility Manager’s Guide to Community Stewardship](https://www.rcap.org/resources/a-water-wastewater-utility-managers-guide-to-community-stewardship/) - Water and Wastewater utilities play an important role in the community by providing an essential services. Today’s utilities are recognizing they can build on current practices to adopt a broader community stewardship role. - [US EPA - Water Infrastructure and Capacity Assessment Tool](https://www.rcap.org/resources/us-epa-water-infrastructure-and-resiliency-finance-center-2/) - An interactive map that helps users identify drinking water and wastewater utilities that may benefit from water infrastructure technical assistance or capacity development assistance. Water ICAT combines water utility information with compliance, demographic, and water infrastructure funding data allowing users – such as technical assistance providers – to efficiently screen for utilities that may benefit - [Hysham | RCAP Environmental Finance Center (EFC) Narrative](https://www.rcap.org/resources/hysham-rcap-environmental-finance-center-efc-narrative/) - Hysham is a small community of 276 people on the Yellowstone River in eastern Montana. The town has struggled to keep a certified operator and was on a Do-Not-Consume order for more than a year due to the buildup of Manganese in the transmission mains and treatment plant piping. The treatment plant and transmission piping are quite old and need replacement. The Town is pursuing emerging contaminant funding through the SRF program to replace the transmission mains and piping with excess manganese buildup. The town is 53% low to moderate income and is considered disadvantaged by USDA under the Climate Change, Energy, Health, and Legacy Pollution categories. Hysham is in the 90th percentile for heart disease and the 95th percentile for cancer rates. As far as climate change is concerned, Hysham is in the 80-90th percentile for both flood and wildfire risk. Watch their story and see how the Midwest Assistance Program (MAP) assisted them in getting off the Do-Not-Consume order. - [The Story of Glen Dale | RCAP Environmental Finance Center (EFC) Narrative](https://www.rcap.org/resources/the-story-of-glen-dale-rcap-environmental-finance-center-efc-narrative/) - Per- and Polyfluorniated substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals used for decades to make non-stick and water-resistant consumer products. Exposure to PFAS through drinking water is a global health concern. In 2021, the city of Glen Dale, West Virginia identified PFAS in their drinking water. See how this city is battling PFAS contaminants and what their plan is on tackling this issue. - [Alborada, Puerto Rico | RCAP Environmental Finance Center (EFC) Narrative](https://www.rcap.org/resources/alborada-puerto-rico-rcap-environmental-finance-center-efc-narrative/) - The neighborhood community of Alborada, Puerto Rico consists of 168 residents. During 2007, there was a large growth in community members, which led to the houses being installed with onsite septic systems. Shortly after the installation, several residents started experiencing issues with wastewater backing up into their homes and yards, which caused some to have to leave their homes. It was determined that the soil in this area could not filter the wastewater. The community has struggled for over 20 years of trying to resolve the issues with its wastewater system. Recently, it was determined that the best option would be to try and connect to a local Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) system, which is a government-owned corporation. This video shows how RCAP is helping them work towards regionalization to eliminate their wastewater issues. - [Certification Calculator App](https://www.rcap.org/resources/certification-calculator-app/) - Calculates time earned for actual work and equivalent experience for water and wastewater specialists. The three certification specialties include water treatment, water distribution, and wastewater treatment; and each has multiple levels of advancement. Specialists can now easily calculate their own work experience as a preliminary measure in determining whether or not they have fulfilled the - [USDA Rural Utilities Service Borrower’s Guide](https://www.rcap.org/resources/usda-rural-utilities-service-borrowers-guide-2/) - This guide was developed specifically for US Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service (RUS) applicants and current borrowers to promote the responsible stewardship of public funds and the sustainability of the infrastructure to be constructed. Community and utility leaders can use it as a toolkit for staying on top of financial management reporting while gaining - [Regionalization / Partnerships](https://www.rcap.org/resources/regionalization-partnerships/) - Building partnership and regional collaboration to support clean water, wastewater and solid waste services. - [Workforce Development & Planning](https://www.rcap.org/resources/workforce-development-planning/) - Workforce development topics specific to the water sector. - [Water Loss Control](https://www.rcap.org/resources/water-loss-control/) - Auditing and addressing water loss. - [AWWA: Water Loss Control](https://www.rcap.org/resources/awwa-water-loss-control/) - The latest version of AWWA’s industry-standard free water audit software. - [Water Finance & Management Libraries, Blogs & Podcasts](https://www.rcap.org/resources/water-finance-management-libraries-blogs-podcasts/) - News and resources specific to water finance and management. - [Veterans Working in Water](https://www.rcap.org/resources/veterans-working-in-water/) - Recruitment and support of veterans in the water sector. - [Sustainable Utility Management](https://www.rcap.org/resources/sustainable-utility-management/) - Managing utilities effectively and sustainably. - [Security, Resiliency & Emergency Response Planning](https://www.rcap.org/resources/security-resiliency-emergency-response-planning/) - Assessing risk and building resilience related to drinking water and wastewater systems. - [Rate Setting & Affordability](https://www.rcap.org/resources/rate-setting-affordability/) - Exploring common issues related to setting rates for water systems. - [Obtaining Infrastructure Funding](https://www.rcap.org/resources/obtaining-infrastructure-funding/) - Identifying and sourcing infrastructure support and funding. - [Mapping](https://www.rcap.org/resources/mapping/) - Mapping as a tool to understanding and improving the delivery of safe, clean drinking water and reliable sewer and stormwater services. - [Energy Management & Conservation](https://www.rcap.org/resources/energy-management-conservation/) - Assessments, guidance and practices related to promoting more efficient energy utilities. - [Budgeting & Financial Management](https://www.rcap.org/resources/budgeting-financial-management/) - The basics for small communities around budgeting and financial management. - [Board & Elected Official Roles, Responsibilities & Policy Development](https://www.rcap.org/resources/board-elected-official-roles-responsibilities-policy-development/) - What local leaders and decision makers need to understand about their local systems and the roles they play in supporting them. - [Additional Energy Management & Conservation Links](https://www.rcap.org/resources/additional-energy-management-conservation-links/) - Additional Links - [UNC Environmental Finance Center: Tools To Assist Water Utilities With Financial Decision Making](https://www.rcap.org/resources/unc-environmental-finance-center-tools-to-assist-water-utilities-with-financial-decision-making/) - The EFC at UNC has created several free tools to assist water utilities in addressing the challenges commonly seen in communities. - [EPA: Water Utility COVID-19 Financial Impact Tool](https://www.rcap.org/resources/epa-water-utility-covid-19-financial-impact-tool/) - A tool that can help drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities assess the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the utility’s cashflow. - [RCAC: Financial Planning: A Guide for Water and Wastewater Systems](https://www.rcap.org/resources/rcac-financial-planning-a-guide-for-water-and-wastewater-systems/) - These guidebooks address core issues regarding water system sustainability: auditing water use to reduce water losses and increase system efficiency, financial planning and management to ensure sufficient revenues to sustain operations, and asset management to allow the system to provide a sustained level of service at the lowest life cycle cost. - [RCAP & AWWA's Small Systems Risk and Resilience Assessment Worksheet](https://www.rcap.org/resources/rcap-awwas-small-systems-risk-and-resilience-assessment-worksheet/) - The information in the worksheet addresses the basic elements of a risk and resilience assessment for small systems to comply with America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018. The information can be used to support the inputs necessary for the Vulnerability Self-Assessment Tool (VSAT) which follows the ANSI/AWWA J100 Standard for Risk and Resilience Management. - [AWWA: Planning for Rehabilitation, Renewal and Replacement](https://www.rcap.org/resources/awwa-planning-for-rehabilitation-renewal-and-replacement/) - Resources, events, and policy statements related to Asset Management. - [EPA: Asset Management Resources for Local Decision Makers](https://www.rcap.org/resources/epa-asset-management-resources-for-local-decision-makers/) - A fact sheet for local decision makers and case studies of best practices from communities and local experts. - [Stormwater Program Finance & Management Guidebook](https://www.rcap.org/resources/stormwater-program-finance-management-guidebook/) - The purpose of this guidebook is to present an overview of stormwater management and to provide you with key information to establish and fund a stormwater management program in your community. - [The Basics of Financial Management for Small Community Utilities](https://www.rcap.org/resources/the-basics-of-financial-management-for-small-community-utilities-2/) - Below is RCAP's newest guidebook on the basics of financial management for small community utilities. We have a PDF version as well as a digital flipbook for anyone interested. The Basics of Financial Management Guide for Small Community Utilities (PDF) Flipping Book - [The Basics of Financial Management for Small-Community Utilities: A Webcast on Financial Management (Part 1)](https://www.rcap.org/resources/the-basics-of-financial-management-for-small-community-utilities-a-webcast-on-financial-management-part-1/) - A recorded webcast that is a companion to RCAP’s The Basics of Financial Management for Small-community Utilities. The printed guide, the main piece in the family of resources on financial management, is a how-to guide that provides an overview of financial management for small-community drinking water or wastewater utilities, from developing and balancing an expense budget - [Formulate Great Rates Guidebook](https://www.rcap.org/resources/formulate-great-rates-guidebook/) - RCAP’s step-by-step guide on setting rates for your water system that cover expenses, are fair and equitable, and are easy to administer. - [Budget Worksheet for Water Systems](https://www.rcap.org/resources/budget-worksheet-for-water-systems-2/) - A worksheet in Microsoft Excel format that provides a general overview of the annual budget. Calculations are performed automatically within the Excel program. - [10 Tips to Help Communities Hire An Engineer](https://www.rcap.org/resources/ten-tips-to-help-communities-hire-an-engineer/) - This list was developed by Great Lakes RCAP. A couple of the points speak of the situation in Ohio, but the tips can be applied in other states as well. Know what your project is before you begin. Communities should develop a detailed project summary that specifically states what the problem is that needs - [WaterOperator.org: Resource Library](https://www.rcap.org/resources/wateroperator-org-resource-library/) - Portal for information from across the water industry that saves time, answers questions, and provides opportunities for ongoing learning at your own pace. - [USDA Rural Utilities Service Borrower’s Guide: A How-to for Water and Wastewater Loans from USDA Rural Development](https://www.rcap.org/resources/usda-rural-utilities-service-borrowers-guide-a-how-to-for-water-and-wastewater-loans-from-usda-rural-development/) - [Three Things to do Before a Rate Change](https://www.rcap.org/resources/three-things-to-do-before-a-rate-change/) - Written by: Jean Holloway Your water utility needs more money to operate. Costs are rising; there hasn’t been a lot of growth in the customer base; everything is just more expensive and the money coming from rates isn’t enough. The answer seems simple – raise the water rates and fees. BEFORE you do that, there - [The Importance of an Operator in a Community's Water Systems](https://www.rcap.org/resources/the-importance-of-an-operator-in-a-communitys-water-systems/) - As a member of the board of directors or other governing body of your community's wastewater (or drinking water) system, you are ultimately responsible for its technical, managerial and financial operations. Most systems have paid staff to handle these aspects of your system's operations. Technical operations are handled by your operator, who is probably the - [Sustainable Infrastructure for Small System Public Services: A Planning and Resource Guide](https://www.rcap.org/resources/energy-management-and-conservation-resources/) - This planning and resources guide includes a step-by-step process for utility decision makers, staff and community members wanting to operate increasingly efficient utilities. - [Spanish Version of Financial Management Guidebook](https://www.rcap.org/resources/spanish-version-of-financial-management-guidebook/) - Below is RCAP’s translation of our guidebook on the basics of financial management for small community utilities. - [Rate Guide Supplemental Materials (Excel)](https://www.rcap.org/resources/rate-guide-supplemental-materials-excel/) - Excel workbook supplement to the Formulate Great Rates guidebook. - [How does the Federal Budget Impact Rural Utilities?](https://www.rcap.org/resources/how-does-the-federal-budget-impact-rural-utilities/) - The process of creating the federal budget every year is complex and sometimes confusing, but it should inform your decision-making as you devise strategies to finance your project. - [Getting Your Project to Flow Smoothly: A Guide to Developing Water and Wastewater Infrastructure](https://www.rcap.org/resources/getting-your-project-to-flow-smoothly-a-guide-to-developing-water-and-wastewater-infrastructure/) - A comprehensive guide on all the steps the governing body of a utility should go through in planning, designing and constructing infrastructure. A very detailed how-to on all phases of the process. Includes many pitfalls to avoid. - [Five Things You Can do to Save on Energy in Your Utility](https://www.rcap.org/resources/five-things-you-can-do-to-save-on-energy-in-your-utility/) - by Scott A. Strahley, P.E., C.E.A. How can a drinking water or wastewater system in a rural community become more energy-efficient and, at the same time, reduce its operating budget? There are a few quick answers and easy targets in the pursuit to conserve energy. However, as with most changes to procedures, there are caveats - [Budget How-Tos](https://www.rcap.org/resources/budget-how-tos/) - This document includes tips on creating a budget for a water board. - [Brochures for Recruiting Drinking Water and Wastewater Operators](https://www.rcap.org/resources/brochures-for-recruiting-drinking-water-and-wastewater-operators/) - Two brochures that can be used in the recruitment of drinking water and wastewater operators. The brochures encourage those who are entering the workforce or those looking for a career change to consider a job in drinking water/wastewater operations. - [Basics of Financial Management Guidebook](https://www.rcap.org/resources/basics-of-financial-management-guidebook/) - [Benefits of Regionalization](https://www.rcap.org/resources/benefits-of-regionalization/) - This RCAP post discusses the benefits of regionalization. - [Big Guide for Small Systems](https://www.rcap.org/resources/big-guide-small-systems/) - A comprehensive desk reference that is ideal as an orientation and background for new members on a utility’s board of directors. Designed for members of the board of a drinking water and/or wastewater system in a small community. The guide is divided into three major sections: Main section: Water and Wastewater Treatment Basics Regulatory Responsibilities - [Big Guide for Small Systems](https://www.rcap.org/resources/the-big-guide-for-small-systems-a-resource-for-board-member/) - A comprehensive desk reference that is ideal as an orientation and background for new members on a utility’s board of directors. - [Board Building Blocks](https://www.rcap.org/resources/board-building-blocks/) - This eBulletin touchs on the general responsibilities for water system boards, tips on how best to run meetings and the water system and a few resources available to assist board members. - [AWWA: Veterans Workforce Resources](https://www.rcap.org/resources/epa-guide-for-applying-military-occupational-specialties-m-o-s-to-civilian-drinking-water-and-wastewater-operations/) - The Veterans Workforce Initiative has developed toolkits for employers looking to hire Veterans and flyers for Veterans interested in the water sector. - [Alliance for Water Efficiency: Utility Water Loss Control](https://www.rcap.org/resources/alliance-for-water-efficiency-utility-water-loss-control/) - Tools and resources on the water audit and data validity including an interactive map of state-level water loss laws in the United States. - [Developing Regional Economic Connectivity: Key Factors and Strategies for Urban and Rural Communities](https://www.rcap.org/resources/developing-regional-economic-connectivity-key-factors-and-strategies-for-urban-and-rural-communities/) - RCAP and the National League of City's new collaborative report, "Developing Regional Economic Connectivity: Key Factors and Strategies for Urban and Rural Communities", are available below: Brief Full Report - [Formulate Great Rates The Guide to Conducting a Rate Study for a Small System](https://www.rcap.org/resources/formulate-great-rates-the-guide-to-conducting-a-rate-study-for-a-small-system/) - Formulate Great Rates is RCAP’s guidebook to conducting a rate study for a small water or wastewater system. The purpose of this guide is to help utilities analyze the sufficiency of their current rates and to adjust those rates where needed. The goal is to help utilities find the most appropriate rate for their community. - [USDA Rural Utilities Service Borrower’s Guide: A How-to for water and wastewater loans from USDA Rural Development](https://www.rcap.org/resources/usda-rural-utilities-service-borrowers-guide/) - Important notice that pertains to Section 2 of this guide (namely CCR registration for borrowers)>CCR is Going Away -- What to Expect (UPDATE) At the end of July 2012, the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) system is going away. CCR, along with Federal Agency Registration (FedReg), the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA), and the Excluded - [The Basics of Financial Management for Small Community Utilities](https://www.rcap.org/resources/the-basics-of-financial-management-for-small-community-utilities/) - Below is RCAP’s newest guidebook on the basics of financial management for small community utilities. We have a PDF version as well as a digital flipbook for anyone interested. Flipping Book - [The Big Guide for Small Systems: A Resource for Board Members](https://www.rcap.org/resources/big-guide-for-small-systems-2/) - A comprehensive desk reference that is ideal as an orientation and background for new members on a utility’s board of directors. Designed for members of the board of a drinking water and/or wastewater system in a small community. The guide is divided into three major sections: Main section: Water and Wastewater Treatment Basics Regulatory Responsibilities - [Water and Wastewater Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Uses](https://www.rcap.org/resources/financial-assistance-information/) - The funds available through RCAP’s Water and Wastewater Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) can be used for: pre-development expenses necessary to secure permanent financing for major capital improvements, or funding for small capital improvement projects to preserve, improve, or enhance the services of the system. Such improvement projects may include funding for: water and/or wastewater treatment - [Top 5 Cybersecurity Tips for Your Small Drinking Water System](https://www.rcap.org/resources/top-5-cybersecurity-tips-for-your-small-drinking-water-system/) - [What Does it Take to Be an Operator?](https://www.rcap.org/resources/what-does-it-take-to-be-an-operator/) - Operators at drinking water and wastewater treatment plants provide one of the most valuable services to Americans. Operators work in vital jobs that we can’t do without. They keep us supplied with a necessity of life 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Water keeps us alive and is delivered - [A Drop of Knowledge: Five Core Questions to Answer for Effective Management of System Assets](https://www.rcap.org/resources/a-drop-of-knowledge-five-core-questions-to-answer-for-effective-management-of-system-assets/) - Asset management looks at every aspect of an asset during its entire life span from planning and design to obsolescence and removal. To do this requires asking and answering five critical “core” questions, identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. - [Emergency Preparedness Security Checklist](https://www.rcap.org/resources/emergency-preparedness-security-checklist/) - Develop/Update your Emergency Response Plan (ERP) based on your source water assessment. Maintain "as-built" construction and distribution system drawings. Document inspections of critically vulnerable facilities. Post-up-to-date 24-hour emergency numbers. Establish a communications plan with the police. Lock, screen, fence, and secure all key facilities, pipes, and wells. Install lighting around key facilities and parking areas. - [Natural Disaster Preparedness Guidelines for Water and Wastewater Utilities](https://www.rcap.org/resources/natural-disaster-preparedness-guidelines-for-water-and-wastewater-utilities/) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Security Division has developed a checklist to assist water and wastewater utilities in natural disaster readiness, with a focus on hurricane preparedness. Whether you live and work in a Hurricane Zone or along Tornado Alley, it is important to recognize that time is of the essence when severe weather - [Protecting Water Quality by Optimizing the Operations and Maintenance of Distribution Systems](https://www.rcap.org/resources/protecting-water-quality-by-optimizing-the-operations-and-maintenance-of-distribution-systems/) ## Rural Matters - [Autumn 2025](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/autumn-2025/) - [Winter 2026](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/winter-2026/) - [Summer 2025](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/summer-2025/) - [Summer 2024](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/autumn-2024-2/) - [Spring 2024](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/spring-2024/) - [Winter 2024](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/winter-2024/) - [Autumn 2023](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/autumn-2023/) - [Summer 2023](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/autumn-2024/) - [Spring 2023](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/spring-2023/) - [Winter 2023](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/winter-2023/) - [Autumn 2022](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/autumn-2022/) - [Spring 2025](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/spring-2025/) - [Winter 2025](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/winter-2025/) - IN THIS ISSUE 4 Rural Round-Up 5 Narrowing in on Overflows 8 Pipe Dreams 13 Every System Needs a Preventive Maintenance Plan 15 Treatment Under Pressure 18 Planning Ahead for Growth 21 A Long Time in the Making - [Summer 2022](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/summer-2022/) - [Spring 2022](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/spring-2022/) - [Mini-Research 2021 Issue](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/special-edition-2021/) - [Winter 2022](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/winter-2022/) - [Autumn 2021](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/autumn-2021/) - [Spring 2020](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/spring-2020/) - [Fall 2019](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/fall-2019/) - [Summer 2021 Issue](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/summer-2021/) - [Fall 2020](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/fall-2020/) - [Spring 2021](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/spring-2021/) - [Winter 2021](https://www.rcap.org/rural-matters/winter-2021/) ## Programs - [Disaster Recovery](https://www.rcap.org/programs/disaster-recovery/) - RCAP has extensive experience working directly with small and rural public water/wastewater systems in the recovery phase after natural disasters. - [Environmental Finance Center](https://www.rcap.org/programs/environmental-finance-center/) - RCAP is a trusted National Environmental Finance Center with over 50 years of technical assistance experience. RCAP has over 350 technical assistance providers located in every state and territory ready to assist your community. - [Regionalization](https://www.rcap.org/programs/regionalization/) - While water and wastewater systems across the country struggle with challenges around workforce, affordability, compliance, natural disasters and more, these challenges are exacerbated for small systems due to limited population, resources and capacity. Collaboration. Partnership. Regionalization. They all mean “working together,” usually in the context of water and/or wastewater utilities. At RCAP, we use the term “regionalization” broadly to capture small utility collaborations and partnerships. - [Rural Community Development](https://www.rcap.org/programs/rural-community-development/) - RCAP regional partners work with the smallest and lowest-income rural communities to provide training and technical assistance. - [Thriving Communities Program](https://www.rcap.org/programs/dot-tcp/) - As the lead technical assistance provider and capacity builder to the Main Streets cohort of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Thriving Communities Program, RCAP supports under-resourced communities to effectively plan critical community projects and compete for federal funding opportunities. - [RCAP WIIN Program](https://www.rcap.org/programs/rcap-wiin-program/) - RCAP’s work under the WIIN Program aims to reduce lead exposure in drinking water in schools and child care facilities, focusing on rural and disadvantaged communities in at least nine states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. RCAP was awarded over $3 million in WIIN funding from the EPA to complete this work over four years that will impact more than 16,000 students and staff in at least 54 rural schools and childcare sites. - [Private Wells](https://www.rcap.org/programs/private-wells/) - RCAP manages an EPA-funded program to provide training and technical assistance for private well owners, stakeholders and environmental health professionals to help improve water quality and public health. This program includes the provision of comprehensive individual well assessments and water quality sampling. - [Colonias](https://www.rcap.org/programs/colonias/) - RCAP manages a USDA program for water and waste disposal technical assistance and training for communities along the U.S./Mexico Border known as the “Colonias.” - [Solid Waste](https://www.rcap.org/programs/solid-waste/) - Supported by USDA’s Solid Waste Management Program, RCAP’s work helps reduce or eliminate the pollution of water resources. - [GIS](https://www.rcap.org/programs/gis/) - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide location intelligence to utilities. Utilities employ GIS to map and manage their water and drinking water infrastructure. An accurate and updated, online GIS-derived map supports operational efficiency, maintenance planning and disaster preparation and response. A living map of a utility’s infrastructure is the foundation of asset management. - [Tribal Water and/or Wastewater Technical Assistance](https://www.rcap.org/programs/tribal-water-wastewater-technical-assistance/) - This program helps to protect public and environmental health and foster economic development in specific tribal communities throughout the United States by providing hands-on, community-specific and culturally relevant technical assistance and training that: identifies and evaluates solutions to water and waste disposal problems, assists tribal communities in preparing funding applications for their water and waste projects, trains tribal operators in order to gain or maintain their licenses and improves operation and maintenance of existing water and waste disposal facilities. - [Onsite and/or Decentralized Wastewater](https://www.rcap.org/programs/onsite-decentralized-wastewater/) - RCAP also provides training, technical assistance and financial resources to assist individual homeowners, neighborhoods and entire communities that rely on failing septic systems for their waste disposal. RCAP can help troubleshoot issues and guide the feasibility process to explore long-term solutions to protect both people and the environment. RCAP also provides training on maintenance and - [Agua4All](https://www.rcap.org/programs/agua4all/) - Agua4All is a program that helps increase access to and consumption of safe drinking water in schools and communities by building community partnerships to install water filling stations where they are needed the most. The program also helps bring awareness and develop long-term solutions to issues rural communities face concerning safe drinking water access. ## Regional Partners - [Great Lakes Community Action Partnership](https://www.rcap.org/regional/great-lakes-community-action-partnership/) - [RCAP Solutions](https://www.rcap.org/regional/rcapsolutions/) - [Communities Unlimited](https://www.rcap.org/regional/communities-unlimited/) - [Midwest Assistance Program](https://www.rcap.org/regional/midwest-assistance-program/) - [SERCAP](https://www.rcap.org/regional/sercap/) - [RCAC](https://www.rcap.org/regional/rcac/) ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://www.rcap.org/category/uncategorized/) - [Drinking Water](https://www.rcap.org/category/drinking-water/) - [Asset Management](https://www.rcap.org/category/asset-management/) - [Management and Finance](https://www.rcap.org/category/management-and-finance/) - [Wastewater](https://www.rcap.org/category/wastewater/) - [Infrastructure](https://www.rcap.org/category/infrastructure/) - [Smoke Testing](https://www.rcap.org/category/smoke-testing/) - [Compliance](https://www.rcap.org/category/compliance/) - [Training](https://www.rcap.org/category/training/) - [Public Health](https://www.rcap.org/category/public-health/) - [Information](https://www.rcap.org/category/information/) - [Emergency Response](https://www.rcap.org/category/emergency-response/) - [Workforce](https://www.rcap.org/category/workforce/) - [Policy and Advocacy](https://www.rcap.org/category/policy-and-advocacy/) - [Tribes and Territories](https://www.rcap.org/category/tribes-and-territories/) - [Community Development](https://www.rcap.org/category/community-development/) - [Events and Announcements](https://www.rcap.org/category/events-and-announcements/) - [Colonias](https://www.rcap.org/category/colonias/) - [Board Management](https://www.rcap.org/category/board-management/) - [Treatment Works](https://www.rcap.org/category/treatment-works/) - [Environmental Finance Center](https://www.rcap.org/category/environmental-finance-center/) ## Tags - [rural](https://www.rcap.org/tag/rural/) - [rural development](https://www.rcap.org/tag/rural-development/) - [Blog](https://www.rcap.org/tag/blog/) - [Tribal](https://www.rcap.org/tag/tribal/) - [Wastewater](https://www.rcap.org/tag/wastewater/) - [drinking water](https://www.rcap.org/tag/drinking-water/) - [Safety Training](https://www.rcap.org/tag/safety-training/) ## News Category - [Policy and Advocacy](https://www.rcap.org/news-category/policy-and-advocacy/) - [Press Release](https://www.rcap.org/news-category/press-release/) - [Federal](https://www.rcap.org/news-category/federal/) - [Funding](https://www.rcap.org/news-category/funding/) - [Drinking Water](https://www.rcap.org/news-category/drinking-water/) - [News](https://www.rcap.org/news-category/news/) - [Events and Announcements](https://www.rcap.org/news-category/events-and-announcements/) - [TAP Stories](https://www.rcap.org/news-category/tap-stories/) - [Wastewater](https://www.rcap.org/news-category/wastewater/) - [Community Development](https://www.rcap.org/news-category/community-development/) - [Workforce](https://www.rcap.org/news-category/workforce/) - [Partnerships](https://www.rcap.org/news-category/partnerships/) ## News Type - [Articles](https://www.rcap.org/news-Type/articles/) - [Videos](https://www.rcap.org/news-Type/videos/) ## Content Type - [Reports](https://www.rcap.org/resources-category/report/) - [Guide Books](https://www.rcap.org/resources-category/guide-book/) - [Training (videos)](https://www.rcap.org/resources-category/videos/) - [Worksheets](https://www.rcap.org/resources-category/worksheet/) - [Articles](https://www.rcap.org/resources-category/article/) - [Tools](https://www.rcap.org/resources-category/tool/) - [Fact Sheets](https://www.rcap.org/resources-category/fact-sheet/) - [Checklists](https://www.rcap.org/resources-category/checklist/) - [Managerial and Financial Hub](https://www.rcap.org/resources-category/managerial-and-financial-hub/) - Managerial and financial hub offers information for managerial and financial services. - [Story (Video)](https://www.rcap.org/resources-category/story-video/) ## Topic - [Wastewater](https://www.rcap.org/resources-topic/waste-water/) - [Regionalization](https://www.rcap.org/resources-topic/regionalization/) - [Planning](https://www.rcap.org/resources-topic/planning/) - [Finance](https://www.rcap.org/resources-topic/finance/) - [Drinking Water](https://www.rcap.org/resources-topic/drinking-water/) - [Disaster Recovery](https://www.rcap.org/resources-topic/disaster-recovery/) - [Asset Management](https://www.rcap.org/resources-topic/asset-management/)