U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Jessica Kramer helped recognize 48 water infrastructure projects for excellence and innovation, including projects in New York and New Jersey. These projects, financed in part by State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs, demonstrate the importance of water infrastructure for supporting healthy Americans and laying a foundation for economic prosperity.
“Water infrastructure funding keeps Americans healthy and fuels economic growth. Projects like these deliver safe drinking water, dependable wastewater service, and affordable bills — while construction boosts local jobs,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “Congratulations to these outstanding award winners for their truly remarkable achievements!”
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.
Exceptional Project Program Honorable Mention
In New Jersey, the Passaic Valley Water Commission was recognized for replacing 4,722 lead and galvanized service lines in Clifton, Passaic, Paterson, and Prospect Park. They used $37.2 million in financing, including $27.78 million in principal forgiveness, to complete the project ahead of the 2031 deadline. The replacements were done at no cost to property owners, supported by community outreach in multiple languages. This project aimed to protect public health and comply with federal requirements by replacing old service lines with safer ones.
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. From Region 2, two entities were recognized.
Excellence in System Partnerships: Western Wayne County Water and Sewer Authority, New York
In New York, the New York Environmental Facilities Corporation is partnering with the Wayne County Water and Sewer Authority (WCWSA) to improve wastewater treatment in the Towns of Marion, Macedon, Walworth, and the Village of Palmyra. The water and sewer authority is consolidating four existing wastewater treatment plants into a single regional facility, funded by $64.5 million in CWSRF assistance and $41 million in state grants. This new facility will provide more efficient processes and equipment, with a longer life expectancy, and will help maintain sustainable sewer rates by sharing costs across the consolidated district. The project addresses compliance violations and improves critical infrastructure for the region.
Exceptional Project Program Honorable Mention
The City of Camden, New Jersey was recognized for its sewer system rehabilitation project, funded with $6.5 million in CWSRF assistance, is a crucial part of the city’s revitalization strategy. Camden is addressing failing sanitary and combined sewer systems that caused flooding, contamination risks, and public health concerns. It replaced over 112,000 linear feet of deteriorated sewer pipes and installed more than 2,300 feet of cured-in-place liners, reducing flooding and emergency repairs. Camden leveraged affordable financing and substantial principal forgiveness to save over $8 million, enhancing fiscal stability. These improvements will result in cleaner waterways, safer streets, and a more reliable sewer system, supporting Camden’s redevelopment goals and serving as a model for sustainable infrastructure investment.
Background
The State Revolving Fund programs are EPA-state partnerships that provide communities with low-cost financing for a wide range of water quality and drinking water infrastructure projects. Since their creation, 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.
See the full list of recognized projects and learn more about the AQUARIUS and PISCES programs.
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