EPA Recognizes Excellence and Innovation in New England Water Infrastructure Projects

EPA Recognizes Excellence and Innovation in New England Water Infrastructure Projects

Six projects across New England recognized nationally with awards in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island

April 8, 2026

BOSTON (Apr. 8, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Jessica Kramer recognized 48 water infrastructure projects for excellence and innovation, including six projects in New England. These projects, financed in part by state revolving fund (SRF) programs, demonstrates the importance of water infrastructure for supporting healthy Americans and laying a foundation for economic prosperity.

"Clean and reliable water is fundamental to healthy communities and a strong economy," said EPA Regional Administrator Mark Sanborn. "These innovative projects in New England show how smart investments through our local and state partners can deliver real results for the American people. Together, we are protecting public health and ensuring taxpayer dollars are put to work efficiently for communities across New England."

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs have provided a foundation of federal investment in water infrastructure for decades. The SRF programs directly support EPA's Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, which emphasizes the need for clean air, land, and water for every American and the importance of cooperative federalism.

Drinking Water: AQUARIUS Awards

EPA's AQUARIUS program celebrates drinking water projects financed in part by the DWSRFs that are innovative, resilient, and protect public health. Twenty-two projects carried out by state or local governments and drinking water utilities were recognized by the 2026 AQUARIUS program, including an Excellence in System Partnerships award in Rhode Island and two honorable mentions in Connecticut and New Hampshire.

AQUARIUS Exceptional Projects Program Selectee in New England

Excellence in System Partnerships award to the Scituate Housing Authority in Rhode lsland for their Rockland Oaks Water System Consolidation and Integrated Infrastructure Improvements ​project. Using $1.66 million in DWSRF funding with 100% principal forgiveness, the Scituate Housing Authority consolidated the Rockland Oaks senior housing water system with the Scituate High and Middle School system, restoring safe, reliable drinking water for low-income seniors and strengthening shared reliability.

AQUARIUS Exceptional Projects Program Honorable Mentions in New England

Honorable Mention to the City of New London (New London Department of Public Utilities), CT, for their system-wide Lead Service Lines Replacement Construction - Phase 1A project. The City of New London completed a materials inventory, an LSL replacement plan, and Phase 1A construction to improve public health and meet federal Lead and Copper Rule requirements using a $6.95 million DWSRF loan. The project used 2022 lead service line replacement funds with $4.38 million in principal forgiveness and $1.45 million in state grant-in-aid.

Honorable Mention to the Towns of Jaffrey and Peterborough, NH, for their Cold Stone Springs Water Supply Project. To address chronic water supply deficiencies in the small, disadvantaged towns of Jaffrey and Peterborough, New Hampshire, the Cold Stone Springs project acquired a 528-acre wellfield, built a new treatment plant, installed over 14,000 feet of mains, and created an emergency interconnection. The towns secured $7 million in DWSRF funding with $1.22 million in principal forgiveness and over $17 million from eight additional agencies, securing a reliable long-term water supply.

See the full list of recognized AQUARIUS projects and learn more.

Clean Water: PISCES Awards

EPA's George F. Ames PISCES program celebrates innovation demonstrated by wastewater and stormwater projects financed by the CWSRF programs. Twenty-six projects carried out by state or local governments, public utilities, and private entities were recognized by the 2026 PISCES program, including three honorable mentions in New England.

PISCES Exceptional Projects Program Honorable Mentions in New England

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for the North Hartford Pilot Project to The Metropolitan District Commission. This large-scale initiative is addressing longstanding sewer overflows and backups in disadvantaged neighborhoods. By combining CWSRF funding with federal and state grants and streamlining project delivery, the effort has already protected hundreds of properties, reduced pollution to the Park River, and lowered costs for residents.

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services for the Webber Hill Slope Stabilization project to the Town of Swanzey, NH. This project stabilized a failing hillside above the Ashuelot River using innovative, nature-based engineering solutions. The improvements protect water quality, reduce flood risks, and safeguard critical transportation routes.

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, for the CSO Phase IIIA Facilities - Bucklin Point WWTF Final Clarifier, UV project to the Narragansett Bay Commission. A $75 million investment is upgrading wastewater treatment capacity and reducing combined sewer overflows into Narragansett Bay. The project is expected to significantly improve water quality and reduce shellfish bed closures while increasing energy efficiency and long-term system performance.

See the full list of recognized PISCES projects and learn more.

EPA also recognized state SRF programs through the new State Excellence Recognition Program, which celebrates high-performing state SRF programs that demonstrate outstanding financial and program management and effective delivery of assistance across both the CWSRF and DWSRF. Three state SRF programs were recognized by the program, including one state from the DWSRF and two from the CWSRF for exceptional overall program performance to protect public health and the environment.

See the full list of recognized projects and learn more about the AQUARIUS and PISCES programs.

Background
The SRF programs are EPA-state partnerships that provide communities with low-cost financing for a wide range of water quality and drinking water infrastructure projects. The SRFs have provided over $265 billion in financial assistance to more than 50,000 water quality infrastructure projects and 76,000 drinking water projects across the country.