Apply Now for Technical Assistance to Develop and Implement a Drinking Water Source Protection Program 

The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) announced the availability of free technical assistance for municipalities to protect their public drinking water sources through the Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2) . Up to 30 volunteer communities will work with technical assistance providers to develop programs that proactively protect public drinking water sources.

DWSP2 is a locally led, state-supported program that empowers municipalities to take action to improve and protect their public drinking water sources and surrounding environment. The program offers free technical assistance to develop and implement community-specific drinking water source protection plans. DWSP2 is designed to build off previous work, help align priorities, and fill gaps within a municipality’s current and future source water protection efforts.  

Community public water suppliers are encouraged to apply for free technical assistance to develop and implement a Drinking Water Source Protection Program. To apply, visit the DWSP2 web page and complete an online application. Deadline to apply Tuesday, November 14th at 4pm

Costs Associated with DWSP2 Plan Development

There are no out-of-pocket costs to communities for the development of a DWSP2 plan. Municipalities are expected to commit time and local knowledge to work with a free technical assistance provider who will guide you through DWSP2 plan development. Selected municipalities with a community public water supply must be prepared to work with a technical assistance provider throughout the DWSP2 process and commit to implement their programs .  

Why Participate in the Drinking Water Source Protection Program?

Municipalities participating in the Drinking Water Source Protection Program

• Promote public health and safety
• Support economic viability
• Enhance environmental protection and recreational opportunities
• Strengthen community partnerships and collaboration  

Actionable Drinking Water Source Water Protection Plans

The purpose of DWSP2 is to prepare your municipality for plan implementation to provide long-term source water protection. DWSP2 helps take the guesswork out of implementation by identifying feasible source water protection actions and funding sources to cover potential project costs. This plan will act as a roadmap that includes:

• Methods to address targeted potential contaminant sources  
• Cost analysis for all identified implementation projects  
• Potential funding sources that can aid with project costs
• Project partners that can support implementation
• Project timing and schedule

To apply, visit the Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2) web page and complete an online application. Deadline to apply Tuesday, November 14th at 4pm

Looking for more information?  

Register now for DWSP2’s upcoming webinar on Wednesday, October 25th at 11am to learn more about program benefits and how to apply for free technical assistance to protect your community’s source of drinking water .

Register to attend

Photo Credit: Grant Jiang 

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Have you begun this process? Or, do you have a program or are aware of a program relevant to source water? Send in any helpful hints or information at source.water@dec.ny.gov and we may highlight them!

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