Take Action Now: Federal Government Moves to Eliminate USDA Water & Wastewater Loans & Grants

The Presidential Administration has initiated action in the 2026 Federal Budget to eliminate USDA water and wastewater funding, including both their loan & grant programs and also their training and technical assistance programs.

What does this mean? If approved by Congress, funds dedicated to rural water/wastewater systems for improvement projects, waterline extensions, new town water districts, etc…would be completely eliminated. USDA is the only agency to provide funding exclusively for rural water & wastewater communities (communities that have 20,000 or less population for funding purposes). The proposed funding cuts would also eliminate funding for technical assistance and training. Our Circuit Rider, Wastewater Technician, Energy Efficiency Technician, and Apprenticeship Training programs would also be eliminated.

What Do We Need to Do? We need everyone’s help in telling Congress not to accept these crucial funding cuts which have been proposed. Congress needs to hear from you, and in particular, Republican Members of the House of Representatives. These cuts would not only negatively impact water and wastewater systems, but also negatively impact equipment suppliers, engineering firms, and contractors.

How Can I Help? Please take the pledge to support rural development here: Pledge — Rural Water Strong and share this pledge with everyone you know, friends, family, neighbors, etc…this is urgent for the continuation of these funds. Also, visit www.ruralwaterstrong.org and consider making a short video and uploading it to Submit Testimonial Videos — Rural Water Strong.

Please do not think this is a scare tactic. This is real and we need your help to ensure future funding for rural America! Thank You!