Drinking Water Utilities Sought for Contaminant Warning System Pilot Projects
EPA is requesting applications for demonstration pilots of drinking
water contamination warning systems. The agency's announcement is part
of EPA's Water Security (WS) initiative, which strives to address the
risk of intentional contamination of drinking water distribution
systems.
A contaminant warning system uses advanced monitoring
technologies/strategies and enhanced surveillance activities to
collect, integrate, analyze and communicate information. The goal is to
provide a timely warning of potential water contamination incidents in
order to minimize public health and economic impacts. Applications must
address specified monitoring and surveillance components, a consequence
management plan and a review and evaluation plan.
EPA officials stated on June 18 they anticipate that about $31
million will be available to fund up to four cooperative agreements for
these demonstration pilots, depending on agency funding levels and
other applicable considerations. The federal portion for each
cooperative agreement is anticipated to range between $3 million and
$12 million, and awardees will have to provide a minimum 20 percent
cost-share/match of the total project cost.
Applications will be accepted only from local governments or
institutions (either public or private nonprofit organizations) that
operate community water systems serving at least 750,000 people.
Applications through Grants.gov must be received by Aug. 10.The request for applications and additional information on the WS initiative is available at http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewater/watersecurity/initiative.cfm.