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.
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Key Dates
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