EPA Seeks Feedback on Water Fund Data Collection Extension
Published Date: 5/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The EPA wants to keep collecting info about the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs to make sure these funds help communities get safe water. They’re asking for public feedback before extending this data collection past August 2026. If you’re involved in water projects or funding, this affects you, and you’ve got until July 6, 2026, to share your thoughts!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
SRFs Can Offer Forgiveness and Low‑Cost Loans
State Revolving Funds can provide low‑interest loans and, where authorized, grants, principal forgiveness, negative interest loans, loan guarantees, refinancing, purchase or guarantee of local debt, and bond insurance. Under the Drinking Water SRF, states may set disadvantaged community criteria and offer negative interest rates, principal forgiveness, or extended repayment terms to communities that meet those criteria.
States Must Keep Reporting SRF Data
State and local governments that operate Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds must continue to submit annual Intended Use Plans, Annual Reports, audits, and financial/project data. EPA estimates 1,440 respondents will incur a total burden of 93,553 hours per year and total costs of $12,892,005 per year for this information collection.
DWSRF Set‑Aside Funds Must Be Tracked
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund set‑aside programs (funds for activities separate from project lending) must be tracked through the Intended Use Plans and Annual Reports and reported as part of the DWSRF information collection activities.
Quarterly Project Data Publicly Available
States must enter project‑level financial and commitment data into the SRF Data System on an annual basis and project‑level data are collected on a quarterly basis; these data are available to the public so EPA and the public can assess compliance and the environmental and public health benefits of SRF projects.
Estimated Burden Shifts After IIJA Funding Ends
EPA estimates a decrease of 14,966 reporting hours in total respondent burden driven by the end of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act capitalization grants after Fiscal Year 2026, while overall estimated respondent costs increase by $313,055 due primarily to higher hourly wages.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13667, Minor New Source Review Program Air Permitting Public Participation Requirements for State Implementation Plans
The EPA wants to give states more freedom to decide how much public input is needed when approving small air pollution sources or changes. This means local air agencies can tailor public participation to fit their community’s needs while still protecting air quality. If you’re involved in air permits, watch for comment deadlines and possible virtual hearings this summer!
2026-13263, Revisions To Establish the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) for Public Water Systems
The EPA is rolling out the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) to check for new, sneaky chemicals in public drinking water. Big water systems serving 3,300+ people and some smaller ones will test for 30 different contaminants, including certain PFAS and pesticides, to keep our water safe. Comments and feedback are open until late August 2026, and the EPA will host fun online meetings to chat about the plan!
2026-12927, U.S. Ecology Nevada, Inc. High Mercury Subcategory Wastes Land Disposal Restrictions Variance
The EPA is giving U.S. Ecology Nevada a special green light to handle and dispose of high-mercury waste a bit differently than usual. This means mercury waste treated in Pennsylvania can now be safely sent to U.S. Ecology’s Nevada site for disposal under new rules starting July 27, 2026. This change helps protect people and the environment while keeping mercury waste management efficient and cost-effective.
2026-11047, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Hazardous Waste Combustors: Residual Risk and Technology Review
The EPA just updated rules for places that burn hazardous waste, like incinerators and boilers, to keep the air safe and clean. They confirmed current standards work well but added new limits on harmful gases like hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide. These changes start June 3, 2026, and include easier electronic reporting and some new rules for startup and shutdown times—helping protect health without big costs.
2026-10641, Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program; Reopening of Comment Period
The EPA is reopening the comment period until June 29, 2026, for its proposed rule to create a federal permit program for safely disposing of coal ash from power plants. This affects electric utilities that handle coal waste and aims to improve environmental safety while possibly impacting their costs. Now’s the time for everyone to share their thoughts and help shape the rules!
2026-10387, Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
The EPA is updating rules to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioners. These changes affect businesses in refrigeration, supermarkets, semiconductor manufacturing, and more, allowing some older equipment made before 2025 to keep running. The new rules kick in on July 27, 2026, helping industries transition smoothly while cutting harmful emissions.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08692, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund, et al.
Guggenheim and its related funds want permission to team up and invest together in the same companies, which usually isn’t allowed. This change could help them share opportunities and manage money more efficiently. If no one objects by May 25, 2026, the SEC will approve this plan, potentially impacting how these funds invest and grow.
Next: 2026-08694, Agency Information Collection Extension
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) is asking to keep collecting feedback from the public for three more years without changing anything. This helps EIA understand how well they’re serving customers and find ways to improve. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to send comments by June 4, 2026—no cost or hassle involved!