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Dear USDA Water Customer,
At the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), we know that rural water facilities have their work cut out for them. Keeping your utilities running and ensuring your customers, who are your neighbors, have safe and reliable water resources is a full-time job. So, when you do have time to think about the future of your systems, we imagine it can be daunting.
USDA recognizes that the challenges associated with operating a water or waste disposal system do not end once a facility becomes operational. Keeping rural water systems sustainable means a lot more than it used to. Today, rural water administrators not only need to consider the physical strength and capacity of their systems, they also need to consider the cyber security of their facility and the resiliency of the infrastructure if it were to be impacted by natural disaster as well.
USDA stands ready to help rural water and waste utilities bridge the capital divide and put the technological advances in place that will drive efficiency, resiliency, health, and safety, as well as build cyber security. USDA’s water programs finance basic infrastructure through loans, grants, and loan guarantees. USDA can also partner with rural water systems to finance infrastructure which protects the cyber security of rural water and waste facilities.
USDA’s water programs have recently been expanded. Guaranteed loans are now available to smaller communities who have the financial strength to take advantage of conventional credit and for larger communities with populations up to 50,000.
We also have technical assistance resources available through several partnering organizations. USDA leverages a vast network of industry experts, technical assistance grant recipients and revolving funds to help rural water and waste systems benefit from hands-on troubleshooting, training, workforce development, and several other initiatives.
USDA’s resources are not limited to communities that already use USDA’s Rural Utilities Service loan and grant programs. Any water or waste disposal system in an eligible rural community may benefit from technical assistance, such as:
- The National Rural Water Association circuit rider program is available to assist systems with general troubleshooting and support, including cybersecurity analysis.
- Training courses and other technical assistance are available through the Rural Community Assistance Partnership, American Water Works Association, and other providers. These organizations can provide training on a variety of topics, including cybersecurity management.
- Circuit riders and technical assistance providers can assist with implementing, reviewing, and updating emergency response plans and vulnerability assessments.
At USDA, we believe that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives. We encourage all rural water system administrators reach out to their local USDA Rural Development office to find out more about the resources that are available to their communities. Start building a more secure future today.
We’re looking forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Christopher A. McLean
Acting Administrator
USDA Rural Utilities Service
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