Recent Accomplishments
USDA Decentralized Water Systems Program
This program provides grants for eligible well water and decentralized wastewater system stakeholders. The current level of funding is $5 million per year, but NOWRA is working with our advocacy group and partners to increase that up to the authorization level of $20 million per year.
Our past advocacy efforts culminated in Congress passing appropriations legislation that provided $6 million for the USDA Decentralized Water Systems Program - which was an additional $1 million in grants specifically targeted for decentralized wastewater systems. NOWRA is working to restore and repeat this effort.
EPA Decentralized Wastewater Grant Program
NOWRA worked with Congress to influence the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) signed by President Biden on November 15, 2021.
The Act included the creation of the first-ever federal grant program dedicated to onsite wastewater systems—EPA’s Decentralized Wastewater Grant Program.
This new program will provide grants for the construction, repair, or replacement of individual household decentralized wastewater treatment systems; or the installation of larger decentralized wastewater systems designed to provide treatment for two or more households with low or moderate income.
The 2021 Infrastructure Act authorized $50 million for each of the Fiscal Years 2022 – 2026, for a total of $250 million. Unfortunately, Congress has yet to fund this program. NOWRA is working to get this worthwhile program funded.
Meetings with Policymakers
Although we have not conduct a formal Legislative Fly-in for several years, NOWRA representatives, Polsinelli and TSG Group staff (our lobbying firm), and some BOG members held targeted meetings with key congressional legislators on the Congressional appropriations committees.
U.S. Census
NOWRA worked with the EPA to include a "sewer or septic" question on the U.S. Census's annual American Community Survey. This question appeared in the 2025 American Community Survey and were expect to see results in 2026.
Letters to Congress
Through NOWRA’s renewal and participation in the U.S. EPA MOU Partnership for Decentralized Wastewater Management, we were able to rally other stakeholder organizations to support our public policy efforts.
This ally development effort culminated in a NOWRA-led letter sent to Senate and House Appropriations leaders in February 2024 urging them to promote federal funding programs that provide access to clean water and adequate wastewater infrastructure. A total of 14 organizations signed on to the letter authored by NOWRA.
NOWRA Priorities Included in AWIA
NOWRA worked with Congress to influence America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018 to include language to increase the use, funding, and EPA technical support for onsite/decentralized systems.
The legislation contained the following provisions:
- Information Clearinghouse. EPA is directed to set up a technology clearinghouse on the cost-effectiveness of alternative wastewater technologies, especially onsite/decentralized wastewater treatment.
- Disseminate Information to Local Governments. EPA must share information about the cost-effectiveness of onsite/decentralized wastewater treatment with local governments and non-profits seeking federal funding.
- Report to Congress. Every three years, EPA must tell Congress how well it has met the first two objectives and also describe what other actions it has taken to increase deployment of onsite/decentralized treatment.