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WASWD Updates for April 21, 2025
- By: WASWD
- On: 04/21/2025 17:05:48
- In: WASWD Updates 2025
- Comments: 0
| WASWD publishes this bi-weekly e-newsletter to convey current information about legislative and regulatory issues, other issues of importance to districts, and upcoming training and other events |
| WASWD Updates Archive |
| Commerce Fee Guidebook - WASWD Member Update | ||
| The Washington State Department of Commerce has released a draft Fee Guidebook aimed at helping local governments develop infrastructure charges that support housing affordability and smart growth. While the intent is commendable, the guidebook raises important concerns for water and sewer districts—particularly around cost recovery, local flexibility, and interagency coordination. WASWD has submitted comments to ensure the final guidebook reflects the unique role that special purpose districts play in protecting public health, managing infrastructure, and maintaining affordability for all customers. Top priorities include:
Please reach out if you'd like to share your district's perspective or have questions about how the draft guidebook may affect your operations. |
| Water Use Efficiency Reform: WASWD Engaged in Statewide Review | |
| As part of its 2024 supplemental operating budget, the Washington State Legislature directed the William D. Ruckelshaus Center to evaluate the state's municipal water conservation statute (RCW 70A.125.170) and its related regulations. The goal: assess the effectiveness of Washington's current Water Use Efficiency (WUE) program and recommend improvements. Several WASWD member districts and the Executive Director participated in interviews with the Ruckelshaus Center team. These interviews are helping surface on-the-ground perspectives and shape the study's findings. We remain committed to advancing smart, equitable, and results-driven water conservation. DOH is the right agency to lead this work, and the path forward must include stronger technical support, better data, funding tools, and a broader focus that includes all major water users, especially agriculture Key themes include:
What's Next? WASWD will continue engaging with the Ruckelshaus Center as the study progresses. A final report with findings and recommendations is expected later this year. |
| WASWD Submits Comments on Climate Resilience Planning Requirements | |
WASWD recently submitted formal comments to the Department of Health on the draft Climate Resilience Element (CRE) for the Water System Planning Guidebook. While we support efforts to strengthen long-term planning for climate risks, our comments emphasize the need to:
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| Legislative News | |
| Toilets Are Not Trashcans! Protect Public Utility Pipes, Pumps, Plants, & Personnel from Wipes Costs to the Clean Water Sector & Public The impacts of the flushing of nonflushable wipes are a national problem. In NACWA's 2020 Cost of Wipes Report, the flushing of wipes resulted in an additional $441 million of operating costs each year for U.S. clean water utilities |
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WASWD continues to work on federal advocacy efforts in support of the WIPPES Act (S.1092 / H.R.2269), which would establish national “Do Not Flush” labeling requirements for non-flushable wipes—a commonsense step that protects our wastewater systems and saves ratepayers millions in maintenance and repairs. Currently, inconsistent and unclear labeling leads many consumers to mistakenly flush wipes that are not designed to disintegrate in wastewater systems. These non-flushable products contribute to blockages, equipment damage, and system failures. In Washington state alone, public utilities face approximately $8.8 million in additional annual operations and maintenance costs due to wipe-related clogs and mechanical issues—diverting limited resources from critical infrastructure investments. |
| Last month, we joined partners across the country to urge swift passage of this bipartisan legislation. Both bills are now advancing in Congress: | |
We invite you to view the letters we sent: View Here |
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| Governor Bob Ferguson Comments on Proposed $12B in Taxes | |
| Trump Administration Cuts and Chaos Continue to Cast Shadow Over State Budget | |
| OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson offered the following statement on the Legislature's proposal for $12 billion in taxes: “I thank legislators for their hard work as we balance a budget with a $16 billion shortfall. While our budget situation is currently challenging, it may soon become dire with additional cuts and chaos from the Trump Administration. We must defend Washington in the face of that “Federal funds make up 28 percent of our state budget. That includes billions of dollars for Medicaid, K-12 education, child welfare and early learning, disaster recovery and response, unemployment insurance and more. Every day, funding is canceled, frozen or denied by the Trump Administration and Elon Musk. Last week, FEMA denied our request for emergency relief funds for November's bomb cyclone. We don't know exactly why — they did not offer a reason — but we know we met the criteria set out for this funding. The administration is attempting to cut $160 million in public health funding. "Significant federal cuts loom for Medicaid, early learning, K-12 education, scientific research, health care, and emergency response. “Families are also bearing the burden of the Trump Administration's tariffs, making everything from groceries to car repairs more expensive. Tariffs will hit Washington — one of the most trade dependent states in the nation — especially hard. Nearly $120 billion in exports and imports flowed through Washington state ports last year. Approximately 40 percent of our jobs are tied to trade. Tariffs on our biggest trading partners will be damaging to our economy, and particularly hurt our farmers. “We must ensure Washington is in the best possible financial position to weather more cuts and damaging economic policies from a Trump Administration that weaponizes funding to punish those it disagrees with and forces them into compromising their values. “We need a balanced approach, using a reasonable amount of progressive revenue and adopting solutions to reduce our spending. “At a time of great economic uncertainty and assaults by the Trump Administration on core state services for working families, raising $12 billion in taxes is unsustainable, too risky and fails to adequately prepare Washington state for the crisis that looms ahead. “That said, the Legislature has made progress on key issues in its updated revenue proposals. Legislators are working hard and putting in long hours. They have moved away from their reliance on an untested wealth tax and made progress on addressing our regressive tax system. “We will continue to work together to produce a budget that supports a strong economy, and the people of Washington |
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| EPA | |
| EPA Discusses WIFIA at Water Week Roundtable | |
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Senior Advisor for Water Jessica Kramer joined a roundtable to discuss the Water Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act (WIFIA) during the week of April 6, 2025, as part of Water Week - when water professionals gather to discuss priority issues impacting the industry. |
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| Potential Threat to Water Safety From Wildfires |
| In a research letter published in the journal Science, researchers from the UTS Center for Technology in Water and Wastewater write that wildfires can contaminate drinking water distribution systems, posing substantial and escalating public health risks, with nearly half a billion people globally having experienced wildfires within 1 kilometer of their homes over the past two decades. Read more here. |
| PFAS | ||
| Toxicology Groups File Court Brief in Support of PFAS Drinking Water Rule Petitioners | ||
| On April 15, 2025, the Toxicology Excellence for Risk Assessment (TERA) and the International Society for Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology (ISRTP) filed an Amici Curiae Brief in the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) litigation against EPA. The Brief was filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in support of the petitioners (the American Water Works Association and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, and the National Association of Manufacturers, American Chemistry Council, and The Chemours Company). The attorneys submitting the Brief on behalf of TERA and ISRTP include Susan Bodine, the former EPA enforcement chief under the first Trump administration.\ TERA's and ISRTP's position is that EPA's determination under the SDWA that PFOA and PFOS are found at levels of public health concern and the MCLs promulgated by EPA do not meet the requirements of the SDWA. They are not arguing that there should be no regulation of any PFAS chemicals, but that the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) promulgated by EPA are too low. The reasons stated in the Brief include that:
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| ECOS Releases Compendium of State PFAS Actions | ||
| On Thursday, April 17th, the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) released a Compendium of State Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Actions. PFAS, also called forever chemicals, are synthetic chemicals that accumulate in the body and are linked to potential health risks. States and their drinking water offices have been at the forefront of implementing technologies and policies to reduce the chemicals in drinking water and ensure public health. ECOS compiled these critical actions into one comprehensive compendium that details the wide range of approaches to address PFAS across the nation. Anyone may view the Compendium here. |
| Webinar: Oregon & Washington State Efforts to Address Nitrate in Groundwater Wells | |
| On Monday, June 16, 2025, from 3:00 – 4:00 pm (eastern time), ASDWA will host a webinar on, “Addressing Nitrate in Oregon and Washington Groundwater.” During the webinar, speakers from the Oregon and Washington State Drinking Water Programs will share presentations about their efforts to address high nitrate levels in drinking water wells. The webinar will feature: | |
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Register for the webinar here. |
| Funding News | |
| FEMA: Building Resilient Infrastructure & Community Grants | |
| Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton stated in a memo in early April 2025 that the agency will not allocate the planned $750 million for Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grants. According to FEMA, the BRIC program supports states, local and territorial governments and Tribal Nations as they work to reduce their hazard risk. The program aims to support communities as they build capability and capacity. |
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| FEMA announced in a press release that it will be cancelling all BRIC applications from Fiscal Years 2020-2023. If grant funds have not been distributed to state, tribes, territories and local communities, funds will be immediately returned to the Disaster Relief Fund or the U.S. Treasury. |
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| Approximately $882 million of funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will be returned to the U.S. Treasury or reapportioned by Congress in the next fiscal year. The 2021 law made $1 billion available for BRIC over five years, $133 million to date has been provided for about 450 applications. FEMA estimates more than $3.6 billion will remain in the Disaster Relief Fund to assist with disaster response and recovery for communities and survivors. | |
| WASWD News | |
| WASWD Scholarship Application Deadline - April 30, 2025 | |
| The Washington Association of Sewer & Water Districts (WASWD) is pleased to offer scholarships to individuals interested in pursuing a career in the industry represented by our membership. WASWD offers a college scholarship, and a utility operator scholarship for high school graduates or others who seek technical training for operator positions. The WASWD Scholarship Fund is dedicated to Walt Canter, a long-term Commissioner of the Cedar River Water and Sewer District (1969-2017). He is considered a legend in the Sewer and Water industry in the State of Washington. You may Apply Here |
| Upcoming Meetings |
| Links to all virtual meetings are available on the Committee Documents webpage of the members only section of the WASWD website. |
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Section I, II, III, & IV Meeting |
April 30, 2025 @7:00AM |
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Finance Committee Meeting |
May 5, 2025 @10:00AM |
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Government Relation Committee |
May 8, 2025 @10:00AM |
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Membership Committee |
May 13, 2025 @10:00AM |
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Section III Meeting |
May 13, 2025 @6:00PM |
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Workforce Development Committee |
May 14, 2025 @10:00AM |
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Conference & Training Committee |
May 15, 2025 @10:00AM |
| Trainings, Conferences & Events |
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WASWD 2025 Spring Conference & Trade Show |
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Tuesday April 29, 2025 - Thursday, May 1, 2025 | ||||
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Member registration is now open for the WASWD Spring Conference. Early Bird registration ends April 8, 2025. |
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ICS 300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents |
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Tuesday, April 22, 2025 – April, 24, 2025, Seattle Registration Link Wednesday, May 14, 2025 – May, 16, 2025, Snoqualmie Registration Link |
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The ICS-300 course is designed for individuals who may take on a more significant role during an incident, either in a supervisory or supporting capacity. This course offers extensive hands-on practice with key NIMS concepts, providing a deeper understanding and the opportunity to apply them in real-world scenarios. |
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Super Summit - The Power of the PUDs |
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Wednesday, April 23, 2025 – Friday, April 25, 2025 | ||||
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This annual gathering if an excellent opportunity to collaborate with partner organizations, strengthen and deepening our connections to better serve customer owners.
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Public Notification for Small Utilities |
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Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 9:00AM – 12:00PM | ||||
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The public notice requirement of the Safe Drinking Water Act requires water suppliers to provide this notice, and sets strict requirements of the form, manner, content, and frequency of public notices. EPA specifies three categories, or tiers, of public notification. The delivery timeframe depends on what tier a violation or situation falls into. Each tier has different required methods of delivery.
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ORCA Demonstration |
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Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 1:30PM – 4:00PM Registration Link Thursday, May 15, 2025, 10:00AM – 12:30PM Registration Link Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 1:30PM – 4:00PM Registration Link |
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Join the PDC to watch a demonstration of reporting various contributions, expenditures, and loans. Learn to personalize your campaign, import contacts, and enter fundraisers. Find out how to review and amend reports. |
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NEW - The Management Academy |
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Monday, May 5, 2025 – Thursday, June 12, 2025 - 8:30AM - 12:30PM | ||||
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The Management Academy at Archbright is a cohort learning program designed for experienced managers who are ready to take their skills to new heights. This team-based format builds an invaluable skillset in today's workplace. Participants engage in enriching discussions with colleagues who come from a diverse range of industries and professional roles.
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Disclosure 101: Candidates and Committees |
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Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 10:00AM – 12:30PM Registration Link |
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Candidates and committees, join the PDC for an overview of campaign finance regulations. Learn the basics of reporting, including rules around contributions and expenditures. Hear guidance on using volunteers, hosting fundraisers, and advertising campaigns.
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NEW - Cyber Security for Utilities |
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Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 9:00AM - 12:00PM | ||||
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Cyber security best practices and incident response planning can prevent or mitigate many of these attacks and are essential to the sound operation and management of water and wastewater systems. |
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PNWS- AWWA 2025 Section Conference |
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Wednesday, May 7, 2025 – Friday, May 9, 2025 | ||||
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The conference features pre-conference training sessions, technical presentations, a vendor trade show, and ample networking opportunities, including a golf tournament, opening reception, and young professional scavenger hunt.
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Understanding the F-1 |
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Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 10:00AM – 12:30PM | ||||
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Are you required to file the F-1 Personal Financial Affairs Statement? This class will explain what you need to know about the F-1 and demonstrate how to use the PDC's filing system to complete the 8 sections of the report.
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NEW - Strategies for Addressing Onsite Difficult Sites for System Professionals |
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Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 8:00AM - 5:00PM - Day 1 Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 8:00AM - 5:00PM - Day 2 Thursday, May 15, 2025, 8:00AM - 3:00PM - Day 3 |
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This advanced course is designed for onsite system professionals with a foundational understanding of onsite wastewater treatment systems, including soil evaluation and system design. It focuses on providing solutions for new construction and teaches techniques for how to expand or repair failing onsite and decentralized wastewater systems. |
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NEW - Water Use Efficiency: Background, Water Loss, Guidance & Rules |
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Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 9:00AM - 12:00PM | ||||
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History of the Water Use Efficiency and guidance and rules. Also, what is important on the report, and how to mitigate water loss.
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NEW - Consumer Confidence Reports: Guidance on Completing |
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Thursday, May 22, 2025, 9:00AM - 12:00PM | ||||
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How do you inform your consumers about the quality of their local drinking water? The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires that all community water systems submit a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to their customers by July 1st of each year. This annual report holds the water system accountable by reporting compliance successes and failures to water consumers. The most recent and welcome change to the CCR regulation is that CCRs can now be delivered electronically using the Environmental Protection Agency's iWriter tool.
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NEW - Cyber Security for Utilities |
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Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 9:00AM - 12:00PM | ||||
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Cyber security best practices and incident response planning can prevent or mitigate many of these attacks and are essential to the sound operation and management of water and wastewater systems. |
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NEW - |
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Tuesday, June 3, 2025 – Wednesday, June 4, 2025 | ||||
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Join a two-day training event featuring five concurrent tracks. Attend in-person or virtually — two tracks will be streamed online. Topics include water and wastewater treatment, maintenance, corrosion prevention, SCADA, and more. Highlights: Everett WWTP Tour (Tuesday afternoon), Trade Show with manufacturers and reps (Wednesday), 1.3 CEUs available for full attendance (pending approval in OR & WA; accepted in ID), Operator scholarships available (application required). Schedule and scholarship info available on the website — follow the Registration link to download.
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Join the 2025 Wastewater Symbiosis Study Tour |
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Sunday, June 15 - 21, 2025 | ||||
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Key goals of the 2025 Wastewater Symbiosis Study Tour will be to translate inspiration and learnings from Denmark into action at our utilities back home in the PNW, to reshape many millions of dollars of capital investment and realize the economic and sustainability benefits of industrial symbiosis. |
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2025 Western Washington Short School Trade Show |
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Wednesday, October 1-2, 2025, 8:00AM – 5:00PM Renton | ||||
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This course reinforces information covered in the ICS-100 through ICS-300 courses, and discusses several new topics, including Area Command, and modifications to the standard ICS organizational structure that might be helpful during Complex Incidents. |
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