From Jimmy J. Folco Jr., RIRWA President 

I would like to announce some exciting news for water and wastewater systems in Rhode Island. In the past, systems in Connecticut and Rhode Island were served by one combined association, the Atlantic States Rural Water Association (ASRWWA). We have been working in collaboration with the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) and ASRWWA to stand up two individual State Associations to better serve all system members. I am happy to announce this effort is well underway.
 
We in Rhode Island have filed our Articles of Incorporation with the Office of the Rhode Island Secretary of State and have been recognized as the Rhode Island Rural Water Association (RIRWA). We will be providing our membership uninterrupted services, training opportunities, and a plan for increased services in the coming weeks, months, and years. RIRWA has launched our official website; www.rirwa.org, where our current and prospective members will find and access much information.

Matthew Young joined the ASRWWA team as the EPA Training Specialist, where his area of coverage will be Rhode Island.

 

Young holds a BS in Environmental Earth Science with a concentration in Sustainable Energy Science from Eastern Connecticut State University. He spent eight years working for an environmental analytical laboratory as a project manager. There, he worked with public water systems, environmental consultant agencies, as well as private well owners throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. His primary focus was to assist clients with sampling and analysis to meet their groundwater monitoring requirements.

 

Young also has experience working with various agencies in monitoring and reporting of their environmental compliance to regulatory bodies. Young has enjoyed his years of working with the public to help educate and inform them about clean drinking water and environmental safety.