The EPA is celebrating some major wins in water infrastructure! On April 23, Senior Advisor Jessica Kramer recognized 38 outstanding projects that show how smart investment and creative thinking can make a real difference. These projects were supported by the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs, which have been the backbone of federal water infrastructure funding for decades.

These awards are part of EPA’s Powering the Great American Comeback initiative, highlighting the importance of clean air, land, and water for everyone—and showing what’s possible when federal, state, and local partners work together.

“Investing in water infrastructure is absolutely critical—not just for public health, but for local economies too,” said Kramer. “When we invest federal dollars through these programs, we help communities afford necessary upgrades, keep water bills manageable, and even create good-paying construction jobs. Congratulations to all the award winners for their impressive work!”

The recognition came during the 2025 Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities (CIFA) Summit on Water Infrastructure, and the awards were presented through two national programs: AQUARIUS and PISCES.

AQUARIUS Awards: Celebrating Drinking Water Success Stories

The AQUARIUS program highlights drinking water projects that protect public health while showing innovation and sustainability. Sixteen projects earned awards this year, including:

• Excellence in Innovative Financing: Merrimack Village District, NH — Treatment for PFAS and iron/manganese in wells
  
  
• Excellence in System Partnerships: Stanislaus Regional Water Authority, CA — Regional Surface Water Supply Project
  
  
• Excellence in Community Engagement: Bloomfield Township, NJ — Lead Service Line Replacement Phases
  
  
• Excellence in Environmental and Public Health Protection: City of Pineville, MO — Water Improvement Projects
  
  
• Excellence in Creative Solutions: Ellinger Sewer and Water Supply Corporation, TX — Water Plant Improvements

PISCES Awards: Highlighting Wastewater Innovation

Meanwhile, the PISCES program recognizes creative, effective work in wastewater and stormwater management. Twenty-two projects were honored this year, such as:

• Excellence in Innovative Financing: Chemung County Sewer District, NY — Wastewater Treatment Plant Consolidation

Excellence in System Partnerships:

• Town of Ardmore Water Works and Sewer Board, AL — Treatment Plant Renovations
  
  
• Springdale Water and Sewer Commission, AR — Regionalization Project
  
  
• Excellence in Community Engagement: Prince George’s County, MD — Urban Stormwater Retrofit Public-Private Partnership
  
  
• Excellence in Environmental and Public Health Protection: Marquette County Solid Waste Management Authority, MI — Landfill Leachate Treatment System
  
  
• Excellence in Creative Solutions: Malcolm “Jamie” Jamieson, VA — Berkeley Plantation Living Shoreline Project

Want to see the full list and learn more about the AQUARIUS and PISCES programs? Click here.

The State Revolving Fund programs are a powerful partnership between EPA and states, providing low-cost financing for critical drinking water and wastewater projects. Since the beginning, these programs have delivered over $244 billion in support to more than 70,000 projects nationwide—helping communities of all sizes build a healthier, more sustainable future.