EPA's Game-Changing Move Paves the Path for Water Sector Digital Revolution

By David Lieberman US Government Relations Senior Director, Bentley Systems

In a watershed moment for the water sector, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a clarification that promises to change how essential software is procured for water projects. This move will provide low-cost financing and financial assistance to support the procurement of essential software and related services for eligible water projects. By dramatically reducing financial barriers and unlocking unprecedented funding opportunities for water projects, the EPA has opened floodgates of opportunity for communities nationwide. This considerable achievement is a testament to the continuous advocacy efforts of Bentley’s Water and Government Relations teams.??

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs stand as pillars of support for water infrastructure projects, encompassing vital areas, such as municipal water treatment works, decentralized wastewater treatment systems, stormwater management and mitigation, watersheds, pollution management, estuary programs, water conservation, efficiency and reuse, energy efficiency, and achieving compliance with the Safe Water Drinking Act (SWDA). These programs have proved very successful in previous years and now are funded at record levels included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. With the EPA's recent clarification, the proverbial door swings open for stakeholders to leverage these funds to acquire essential software solutions, including Bentley products such as OpenFlows, OpenPlant, ProjectWise and Synchro, as well as Seequent’s Leapfrog, and Seequent Central.?

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Breaking Down the Fine Points?

Let’s delve into the specifics: States now have the green light to utilize CWSRF funds for the purchase and necessary upgrades of software for infrastructure planning, design and construction, subsurface modeling and management, system controls, hydraulic analysis, as well as operational-focused projects. These operational software projects, including water infrastructure software purchases and upgrades, can significantly enhance the resilience of water systems by enabling water loss management, pipe break prediction, optimal pipe and pump sizing, and pumping station energy reduction. Geographic information systems and customer billing systems can also qualify for software funding.?

Similarly, DWSRF infrastructure funds can be utilized for the initial purchase of database infrastructure and software for treatment plants to improve drinking water quality, transmission and distribution (rehabilitation, replacement, or installation of pipes to improve water pressure to safe levels or to prevent contamination caused by leaky or broken pipes), water source rehabilitation of wells or development of eligible sources to replace contaminated sources, installation or upgrade of finished water storage tanks to prevent microbiological contamination from entering the distribution system, integration projects to consolidate or connect two or more water systems or create new systems to serve homes with contaminated wells or to consolidate existing systems into a new regional water system.??

EPA provided the DWSRF and CWSRF clarification here.??

Empowering the Water Workforce?

Under the DWSRF set-asides, states also may use the funds to purchase software or train water system operators and personnel in the use of such software. Currently, the water sector boasts a workforce of nearly 1.7 million individuals, spanning across 212 different occupations and tirelessly contributing to the design, construction, operation, and governance of the nation’s water infrastructure. However, water utilities also face significant challenges in recruiting, training, and retaining employees. With roughly one-third of the water sector workforce eligible to retire in the next 10 years, according to the EPA, and as the technologies that are used in the sector become more advanced, there is a growing need to attract and train water professionals with specialized technical skills. These industry professionals are the backbone of ensuring the long-term sustainability and functionality of drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and green infrastructure facilities across the country—essential foundation that is now poised for digitization. This new provision for software coverage not only facilitates low-cost financing for essential software and services but also ushers in a new era of support for water projects on a national scale. For workers in the sector, this means more than just financial assistance—it signifies a seismic shift in accessibility and jobs.?

As the water sector continues to evolve and adapt to meet the challenges of the 21st century, one thing remains clear: collaboration, innovation, and investment in human capital are key to ensuring a sustainable future for water infrastructure across the nation. The EPA’s decision is more than just a clarification—it's a pivotal moment for the water sector. As the ripple effects of this announcement spread, it becomes abundantly clear: the future of water is digital, and with this clarity comes limitless possibilities for progress and innovation.?