The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of $10.8 million in grant funding to support training for the water sector workforce.
The agency said enhancing recruitment and training for workers in the water sector is more important than ever in light of anticipated retirements, aging water infrastructure, evolving technologies used in the sector and emerging risks like cyberattacks.
Nationally, drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems are facing a shortage of qualified workers due to expected retirements. This comes at a time when water systems are working to modernize while also managing aging water infrastructure. The urgent need for technical and scientific skillsets also exists in light of new challenges like strengthening resilience to cyberattacks.
EPA said the new grant builds on the agency’s recent roundtable in which it led discussions on how to help recruit and retain individuals into meaningful careers in water. The roundtable also identified opportunities where EPA can help reduce barriers and improve interstate coordination.
“The Trump EPA is using every tool in the toolbox, including over $10 million in new funding, to strengthen and fortify the nation’s water workforce,” said Jess Kramer, EPA assistant administrator for water. “We are working collaboratively with states, the water sector, and local partners to advance practical, tangible and demonstrated effective solutions.”
The focus of the Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant program is to develop a strong pool of skilled workers in the water and wastewater utilities sector. This grant program supports collaboration among federal, state, and local governments and institutions of higher education, apprentice programs, labor organizations, high schools, and other community-based organizations to provide access to workforce opportunities and build career pipelines in the water sector. The four program areas include:
- Targeted internships and apprenticeships for skilled water utility trades.
- Education programs designed for elementary, secondary, and higher education students.
- Regional industry and workforce development collaborations to hiring qualified candidates.
- Education and training programs designed for decentralized (septic) water workers to support public health for communities that rely on private wells for drinking water or septic systems.
This action makes near-term progress while the agency continues its efforts to revitalize the 2020 Water Workforce Initiative — developed and released in the first Trump Administration. Grant applications must be received by EPA through grants.gov by October 5, 2026. EPA encourages all eligible organizations who have an interest in these projects to apply.
Learn more about the Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant program.
Source/s: U.S. EPA
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