EPA Training & Technical Assistance Program

The EPA Water Training and Technical Assistance Program equips personnel from small and rural water systems with essential skills through operator certification training, board member education, and on-site technical support tailored to their unique needs. Training Specialists, with extensive experience in small systems, provide expert guidance on compliance challenges, ensuring classroom sessions address state-specific requirements. Strategically positioned to serve the highest number of small system operators, they make training accessible, recognizing that financial constraints often prevent operators from traveling to central locations. Additionally, these operators lack backup support in the event of an emergency during their absence.

By working directly on-site, Training Specialists assist small public water systems personnel in complying with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), offering hands-on guidance in diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving operational and compliance issues. This practical approach not only enhances the effectiveness of the system staff and decision-makers but also deepens their understanding of SDWA requirements. Ultimately, the EPA Water Training and Technical Assistance Program strengthens the technical capacity of small and rural community water systems, reducing noncompliance with health-based standards and improving overall system performance.