News
EPA Guidance on Improving Cybersecurity at Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems
EPA recently released guidance to assist drinking water and wastewater systems (WWS) with some of their cybersecurity challenges. Specifically, the guidance highlights technical support programs EPA provides to the sectors, while also warning of the severe consequences a successful attack can inflict. EPA recommends that all WWS owners and operators, “regardless of system type and population served, evaluate the risks to and resilience of their IT and OT systems to cyber threats and develop risk mitigation plans to address cyber vulnerabilities in critical operations.” The guidance notes that technical assistance, guidance, tools, training, and funding that can aid WWS owners and operators with improving cybersecurity are available from EPA and other government and private sector organizations. The guidance includes a Cybersecurity Checklist which is a series of questions designed to assess the cybersecurity practices and controls at a WWS. The guidance notes that WWS have limited cybersecurity resources and may need to prioritize the adoption of risk mitigation actions following an assessment for cybersecurity gaps. The guidance also says “current use of artificial intelligence (AI) by WWSs is limited, but potential advantages of AI for WWS operations and management may drive widespread adoption in the future. Consequently, WWS owners and operators should be aware of the potential advantages, risks, and risk management of AI systems.” A copy of the guidance can be found here: EPA Guidance on Improving Cybersecurity at Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems
EPA’s Cybersecurity Resources
EPA’s Cybersecurity Helpdesk for the Water Sector: Need help from a subject-matter expert? Submit your questions to WICRD’s free Cybersecurity Technical Assistance Program for the Water Sector. Water systems, primacy agencies, and technical assistance providers can submit questions and request direct consultation to help address your cybersecurity questions. Request Technical Assistance Here
EPA’s Water Sector Cybersecurity Evaluation Program: WICRD’s Water Sector Cybersecurity Evaluation is a free program that provides direct access to a cybersecurity professional who can conduct a virtual cybersecurity assessment. Staff can guide you through the assessment process and answer any questions you may have. Request a Cybersecurity Assessment Here
Water and Wastewater Sector Incident Response Guide. Use this guide, co-sealed by CISA, EPA, and FBI, to gain a better understanding on how water and wastewater utility operators can expect to work with federal partners to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the impact of a cyber incident.
Top Cyber Actions for Securing Water Systems Fact Sheet
EPA’s Water Sector Cybersecurity Case Study
EPA Cybersecurity Assessments and Technical Assistance: Interested water and wastewater utilities can sign up for free, confidential cybersecurity assessments and technical assistance services provided virtually – Register here
EPA Announces Final Recommended Aquatic Life Criteria and Benchmarks for Select PFAS
This week EPA has put out final notice of Aquatic Life Criteria and Benchmarks for Select Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Federal Register.
EPA has announced the availability of national “Final Recommended Freshwater Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria and Acute Saltwater Aquatic Life Benchmarks for PFOA and PFOS.” EPA is also announcing the availability of Acute Freshwater Aquatic Life Benchmarks for eight data-limited perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS):
- perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)
- perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)
- perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)
- perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)
- perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)
- perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)
- 2H-perfluoro-2-decenoic acid (8:2 FTUCA)
- 2H,2H,3H,3H-pefluorodecanoic acid (7:3 FTCA)
These final CWA recommended criteria and benchmarks provide information that States and Tribes may consider when adopting water quality standards. Consistent with Clean Water Act sections 304(a)(1) and (a)(2), the EPA expects to update these recommended criteria and benchmark values from time to time as new information becomes available. This announcement is in accordance with Clean Water Act section 304(a)(3), which directs the EPA to publish information developed under sections 304(a)(1) and (a)(2) in the Federal Register and make it available to States, Tribes, and the public.
You may view the entire notice here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/10/07/2024-23024/final-recommended-aquatic-life-criteria-and-benchmarks-for-select-pfas
EPA Issued Final Rule Requiring Replacement of Lead Pipes Within 10 Years
EPA issued a final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) also require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold requiring communities to take action to protect people from lead exposure in water. In addition, the final rule improves communication within communities so that families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes, and plans for replacing them. EPA has produced several fact sheets to explain the new rule.
EJScreen Updates
EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights EJScreen tool version 2.3 – The Community Justice Mapping Tool is an updated version of the tool. The new version of EJScreen adds important improvements and data to better meet the needs of users including an updated interface.
EPA Trash Free Waters Program Escaped Trash Risk Map
Developed in collaboration with the University of Georgia and the Sea Education Association, EPA recently announced the new Escaped Trash Risk Map which displays a modeled estimate of escaped trash density across the U.S. “Escaped trash” refers to waste materials that leak out from waste management systems, whether through spillage from non-secured containers, intentional littering, or other means. This map is designed to help local governments and communities evaluate impacts and consider how to take action where appropriate. Specifically, the map shows estimated escaped trash counts at the 1km2 level. Item types and material type distribution are viewable for each U.S. river basin. Escaped trash density estimates should be interpreted as a ‘risk map’ of what is estimated to be on the ground and at risk of getting into waterways based on model predictions. The model does not account for all local factors that may affect escaped trash density in a specific location. Locations and summary data on microplastics presence drawn from studies in freshwater systems across the U.S. are also displayed in the map. Data are currently insufficient to estimate microplastic concentration in all U.S. waterbodies. More details can be found here: Escaped Trash Risk Map | US EPA
Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025
On September 26, the President signed into law the ” Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025,” which provides fiscal year 2025 appropriations to Federal agencies through December 20, 2024, for continuing projects and activities of the Federal Government. The funding levels for key water appropriations have not changed due to text in Section 109 that says federal agencies that normally would distribute funding at the beginning of a federal fiscal year should not do so and should not award funds that would “impinge on final funding prerogatives.” Section 110 says that, “This Act shall be implemented so that only the most limited funding action of that permitted in the Act shall be taken in order to provide for continuation of projects and activities.”
ACWA has updated our funding chart to reflect the Continuing Resolution.
White House Hosts First Summit on Extreme Heat
On September 14, the White House hosted the first Summit on Extreme Heat, which brought together over 100 participants, including federal agencies and White House senior staff, as well as other leaders, including workers exposed to extreme heat, healthcare professionals, emergency responders, and researchers and innovators – who represent many of the communities that are fighting on the front lines of extreme heat. Discussions at the Summit focused on lessons learned from this year’s extreme heat, Administration progress in tackling extreme heat and advancing environmental justice, and successful best practices to manage extreme heat that have been locally tailored and community driven.
At the Summit, National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi also announced a new Extreme Heat Call to Action, which calls upon state, local, Tribal and Territorial governments, along with the private sector and non-profit organizations to lead by example and use all of the tools at their disposal to protect people from extreme heat looking ahead to 2025. The Call to Action invites interested organizations to submit a commitment to take action in advance of the 2025 heat season, including a wide range of approaches and tools which could be used to protect people and resources from extreme heat, such as actions highlighted in the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit and the National Heat Strategy. The White House will collect submissions for the Call to Action through November 1, 2024, which may include information about the goals that communities have set and the new actions they are planning for future extreme heat events.
USDA’s Partnerships for Aquatic and Watershed Restoration Program
USDA Forest Service is looking to address aquatic and watershed restoration needs and empower local communities and partners to assist with implementation of activities.
Association Updates
2024 National Stormwater Roundtable – In-Person Registration Now Closed!
Agenda: 2024 National Stormwater Roundtable Final Agenda
In-Person Registration: In-person registration is NOW CLOSED!!
Virtual Registration: For those registering virtually, please us this link. Virtual registration will remain live until Friday, October 18!!
ACWA Legal Affairs Committee – October 29 Meeting
ACWA’s Legal Affairs Committee will host a call on October 29, at 1:00 pm ET to discuss the recent decision in Northwest Environmental Advocates v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, et al., from the U.S. District Court in Oregon. The discussion will be led by Diane Lloyd, Assistant Attorney General with the Oregon Department of Justice. Please contact Ward Scott (wscott@acwa-us.org) to register for the call.
Notice – No Wrap the Week of October 14th
In observance of the holiday, ACWA will not publish a Weekly Wrap the week of October 14th. Look out for our next edition the week of October 21st.
Meetings and Webinars
Save the Date! SRF Public Portal Webinar: New Updates Tour
When: October 17, 2024; 1:30 p.m. ET
Where: Teams Webinar – Click here to register today!
In July 2024, the EPA released its updated State Revolving Fund (SRF) Public Portal, which provides data in a user-friendly, accessible format for states, utilities, and anyone interested in where water infrastructure investments are being made. The portal allows users to access and create downloadable reports, engage with SRF data through summary dashboards, and now includes an interactive map of SRF projects across the country.
Join for a tour of the new updates to the SRF Public Portal hosted by the EPA. Please share with your SRF State counterparts and others in your community that you think would be interested in this event.
Upcoming Intro to ECHO Webinar – October 17
Join U.S. EPA for its next Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) webinar on Thursday, October 17, 2024, 1:30-2:30 PM Eastern Time. This webinar will provide an overview of the data in ECHO and guide users through how to use ECHO to answer environmental enforcement and compliance questions. The focus of this webinar is a collection of short, step-by-step demonstrations geared toward new and infrequent users. We will demonstrate the capabilities of the ECHO Facility Search and Enforcement Case Search to answer questions such as:
- How do I search for a specific facility?
- How do I search for a specific enforcement case?
- How do I search for facilities releasing a pollutant?
- How do I search for facilities in my community?
Register at https://echo.epa.gov/help/training#upcoming to save your spot.
If you can’t make it, don’t worry, ECHO tutorials and recorded webinars are available at any time.
EPA Water Modeling Webinar: HAWQS 2.0
October 17, 12–2 pm EST
Speaker: Katie Mendoza, Texas A&M University
Target Audience: The target audience is Clean Water Act (CWA) water quality regulators in programs such as TMDLs, monitoring, wetlands, standards, nonpoint sources, permitting, and assessment. The Webinar content assumes that audience members have an understanding of basic hydrology and water quality principles. The Webinars are open to everyone and will be relevant to anyone conducting water quality investigations.
Registration: You must register in advance to participate in this free webcast. Please register at: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/655b7867-db0b-4950-b174-0bbdfdabf6f4@81a26399-c28c-43fd-8629-d808a7ad9521
Microfibers are a Macro Issue: Interagency Report on Microfiber Pollution
October 17, 2024 1:00-2:30 ET
EPA’s Trash Free Waters program is hosting its latest webinar, entitled Microfibers are a Macro Issue: Interagency Report on Microfiber Pollution. This webinar will cover the details in the report as well as some of the ongoing efforts in the United States and beyond addressing microfiber pollution. The speakers for this webinar will be: Carlie Herring, NOAA Marine Debris Program, Nizanna Bathersfield, EPA Trash Free Waters Program, and Krystle Moody Wood, Materevolve. Register here.
EPA Cyber Phishing Drill
October 22, 2024 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET
Sign up for EPA’s free phishing drill for drinking water and wastewater systems. The drill will allow utilities to simulate one of the most common types of cyber attacks. This operational exercise is designed to help utilities understand, test your responses to this threat, and learn about resources to improve your preparedness. Register Here.
EPI Center Webinar: Land Applied Biosolids and PFAS Exposure
On November 1, 2024, the AAAS EPI Center is hosting a panel of experts to discuss the scientific evidence on land applied biosolids and PFAS exposure. The presence of PFAS in biosolids raises many questions about how to safely manage biosolids and their uses. Research is ongoing to better understand PFAS in biosolids and the impact on human health and the environment. Decision-makers have many questions about PFAS in biosolids including what risks does land application of PFAS containing biosolids pose to groundwater and surface water? Are crops grown on land where biosolids have been applied safe for livestock or human consumption? Please join us on November 1, 2024, to hear from a panel of experts discussing scientific evidence that can help address these questions and more about PFAS in biosolids. There will be time for questions from the audience and discussion.
Panelists
- Ian Pepper, University of Arizona
- Andrew Smith, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention
For background on PFAS please refer to the EPI Center resources on PFAS. Please direct questions to the AAAS EPI Center at epicenter@aaas.org.
CRWU National Webinar Series
US EPA’s Creating Resilient Water Utilities (CRWU) Initiative is excited to offer a new webinar series sharing climate adaptation stories of drinking water and wastewater utilities.
- Gain insight into addressing climate challenges, building resilience, and incorporating environmental justice efforts.
- Learn how to use CRWU’s tools and information for solutions, climate- and weather-related vulnerabilities, and funding options
Join for any or all of the following sessions:
- December 3, 2024 (1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT)
- December 5, 2024 (1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT)
- December 10, 2024 (1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT)
- December 12, 2024 (1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT)
Job Opportunities
Municipal Facility Management Engineer
Location: Shoreline, WA
Closing Date: October 13, 2024
Working under the direct supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer, you will make vital contributions to
the regulation, planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment and water reclamation
facilities in northwest Washington (King, Snohomish, Kitsap, Skagit, Island, Whatcom, and San Juan
counties). You will help to protect water quality in the region by developing wastewater discharge permits,
reviewing engineering documents for domestic wastewater facilities, providing engineering
oversight of infrastructure projects that receive financial assistance, and participating in
inspections and enforcement activities.
To request the full position description, email: careers@ecy.wa.gov.
Remedial Action Hydrogeologist
Location: Portland, OR
Closing Date: October 20, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit Oregon Job Opportunities.
Point Source Compliance and Enforcement Municipal and Industrial Inspector
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Closing Date: October 22, 2024
Job ID # 148126
Position # 72081
If you are interested in applying, please visit NM’s Careers site to review the job posting and complete your application!
Water Quality Scientist (TMDL Planner)
Location: Helena, MT
Closing Date: October 25, 2024
For more information and to apply, click here.
Wetlands Program Project Officer
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Closing Date: October 26, 2024
Job ID # 148238
Position # 12246+
NMED’s Surface Water Quality Bureau has two (2) openings on the Wetlands Team. Wetlands Program Project Officers manage existing fully funded wetlands program projects and develop new wetlands restoration, mapping, monitoring, and planning projects through inter-agency and local coordination. Wetlands Program Project Officers also provide oversight to produce new wetlands action plans (watershed plans) for future wetlands program projects, prepare grant proposals and project work plans, conduct procurements for contractors, and implement projects through contractors and Bureau resources. NMED offers five (5) days of personal leave as a hiring incentive.
If you are interested in applying, please visit NM’s Careers site to review the job posting and complete your application!
Environmental Analyst – Monitoring Program Technician
Location: Staatsburg, NY
Closing Date: October 27, 2024
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by October 27, 2024. Please reference #25-HRNERR-001 in the email subject line. Accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Compliance Inspector
Location: Helena, MT
Closing Date: November 3, 2024
For more information and to apply, visit State of Montana Careers.
Permit Writer (Environmental Engineer 3) (2 positions)
Location: Spokane, WA
Closing Date: Continuous
For more information and to apply, visit Washington’s Job Opportunities webpage.
Be sure to check out other opportunities on ACWA’s Job Opportunities page.
