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New Initiatives

Water Storage Tank Under Construction

Current Initiatives include:

 

    • Vermont Small, Rural Drinking Water System Technical Assistance Program: This initiative, launched in 2024, aims to enhance outreach to small, rural public community water systems by hiring a contractor, Quantified Ventures, to provide technical assistance and support for applying for and securing funding. Specifically, 49% of the General Supplemental BIL funds are designated for loan forgiveness for these systems. The goal of the outreach is to provide information and assistance to water systems that have historically not applied for state funding, ensuring equitable access to highly subsidized loans for infrastructure improvements. This support seeks to promote sustainable services within the communities served. Please see the Vermont Small, Rural Drinking Water Technical Assistance (PDF) (last updated: December 19, 2024) for more information.

     

    • Free Leak Detection Surveys: The Capacity Development Program, in conjunction with the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Program, are again offering free leak detection surveys to public community water systems (CWSs).   To be eligible systems must:
      • be an active CWS;
      • complete and submit the Leak Detection Request Form;
      • provide assistance of the certified operator or other appropriate staff and ensure that curb stops and main line valves are marked and accessible; and
      • after the survey, the water system shall make repairs or prepare an improvements plan and schedule to address the leaks that are found, and complete a short evaluation providing feedback regarding the project.

    For more information regarding the benefits of leak detection review the factsheet: Leak Detection Factsheet.

    "Our surveyor did an incredible job surveying our system. He was punctual, devoted to chasing leads, and helped us find two significant leaks. Our spring sources have been struggling all summer. Both of our reservoirs were losing ground before the survey, and we were forced to issue a water conservation notice. Since finding and fixing the leaks, both of our reservoirs have begun refilling. We are lifting the water conservation notice, but keeping a close eye on things. Thank you for this service. It’s still a little early to know for sure but I think it saved our butts this time around.” – Jeffersonville, 2018 Leak Detection Survey Participant

    • ​Asset Management Planning Loans: The Capacity Development and DWSRF Programs are offering Asset Management Planning Loans to CWS to develop a full asset management plan.  A municipality may receive up to $50,000 in planning load forgiveness to develop and implement a DEC-approved asset management plan that meets the guidelines in Guidance 26.