The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $90 million in grant funding aimed at improving drinking water and wastewater infrastructure serving Tribal Nations and rural communities across the United States. The initiative seeks to accelerate essential upgrades that support public health, environmental protection, and local economic development.
According to the agency, the funding will be split between targeted investments and broader technical assistance programs. A total of $30 million will be deployed in collaboration with the Indian Health Service to advance water infrastructure projects in Tribal communities. These efforts include expanding access to centralized drinking water and wastewater systems, rehabilitating aging infrastructure, reducing contaminants to meet regulatory standards, and replacing deteriorated sewage collection and treatment facilities.
“Clean and safe water provides a foundation for thriving communities by keeping people healthy while strengthening local waterbodies and natural resources,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer. “The Trump EPA is investing $90 million in water infrastructure to help ensure access to safe drinking water and wastewater management to strengthen Tribal Nations as well as small and rural communities.”
The remaining $60 million will support existing EPA initiatives focused on smaller and underserved systems, including the RealWaterTA programme. This initiative promotes practical, proven approaches to water system management, emphasizing engineering support, operational improvements, workforce training, and financial capacity building. Its objectives align with compliance requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act.
EPA Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs Usha Turner highlighted the importance of interagency collaboration, stating: “EPA has a long and successful partnership with the Indian Health Service, and under this Administration, we are delivering results.”
The announcement builds on recent federal funding efforts. In 2025, EPA allocated nearly $300 million to similar initiatives, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to addressing water infrastructure challenges in underserved communities.
