Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP)

Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) Practical solutions for improving rural communities - helping small communities maintain safe, reliable and sustainable water systems

RCAP works in small, rural communities across the United States, its territories, and in tribal areas. Most of the communities where RCAP works are low-income and have a population under 2,500. RCAP provides customized, in-person technical assistance and training services, financial assistance, and information and publications to help communities operate efficient water and wastewater systems that

are in compliance with regulations. RCAP’s assistance enables communities to provide a reliable, safe and clean supply of drinking water and a sanitary wastewater disposal system. The health of residents is protected, the environment is cared for, and the economies of whole communities are supported by this critical infrastructure.

RCAP's newest press release regarding last week's state revolving fund (SRF) workshop is now live. “State Revolving Fund...
08/24/2026

RCAP's newest press release regarding last week's state revolving fund (SRF) workshop is now live.

“State Revolving Funds are one of the most powerful tools rural communities have to fix aging water infrastructure, but too many of these communities are left behind due to the unique obstacles they face,” said RCAP Chief Executive Officer Olga Morales-Pate. “This workshop exists to ensure communities get the hands-on support and training they need to compete for and secure this funding.”

Read the full release here, https://www.rcap.org/blog/as-rural-communities-lose-out-on-billions-in-water-infrastructure-funding-rcap-convenes-national-workshop-to-close-the-gap/.

Glenn Barnes from Water Finance Assistance and Sherry Schmidt from the RCAP National Office took to the stage this morni...
08/20/2026

Glenn Barnes from Water Finance Assistance and Sherry Schmidt from the RCAP National Office took to the stage this morning to inform attendees of the SRF Workshop about RCAP's newest initiative for administrative professionals. RCAP, in coordination with Water Finance assistance and other partners are piloting a training and certificate program designed specifically for water and wastewater utility administrative professionals and clerks. This program is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at no cost to the participant. This innovative 24-hour program, held over eight weeks, places virtual learning alongside asynchronous and self-paced learning to foster deeper skill development, practical application, and lasting professional confidence.

You can find more information about the program and certification here, https://www.rcap.org/programs/administrative-professionals-certificate-program/. Register quickly, as the first cohort will begin on September 24.

In Eatonville, FL, a team of SERCAP staff got to work providing technical assistance in the aftermath of hurricane and h...
08/19/2026

In Eatonville, FL, a team of SERCAP staff got to work providing technical assistance in the aftermath of hurricane and helped secure funding for the community. Jordan Woodall and Joseph Gonzalez told that story this morning at the RCAP National SRF Workshop, highlighting best practices for funding applications, drone usage in the aftermath of disasters, and more.

Stay tuned for our new podcast, RCAP Voices, where we deliver you stories of community, resilience, and infrastructure o...
08/19/2026

Stay tuned for our new podcast, RCAP Voices, where we deliver you stories of community, resilience, and infrastructure on October 15th. Hosted by Linda Stonestreet, we explore the world of technical assistance through compelling, humanistic stories.🎙️Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts, or follow along at rcapvoices.substack.com.

Raffael Stein, Michael Deane, and Ellen Tarquinio of the US EPA joined RCAP's SRF Workshop for a fireside chat to discus...
08/18/2026

Raffael Stein, Michael Deane, and Ellen Tarquinio of the US EPA joined RCAP's SRF Workshop for a fireside chat to discuss pertinent issues and solutions for rural community infrastructure and what SRF brings to the table.

The 2026 RCAP National State Revolving Fund Workshop has kicked off and so has the training! 💧✏️ From a Water Loss Works...
08/17/2026

The 2026 RCAP National State Revolving Fund Workshop has kicked off and so has the training! 💧✏️ From a Water Loss Workshop for Small Utilities today to Countdown to LCRI Compliance and Small System Board Training workshops on Thursday, the week is chalk full of educational tracks. Don't forget to come by the registration desk to pick up a tote!

In collaboration with The Private Well Class, there will be a webinar on September 23, 2026, dedicated to learning about...
08/14/2026

In collaboration with The Private Well Class, there will be a webinar on September 23, 2026, dedicated to learning about the potential impacts of drought and flooding on private wells. In this webinar you’ll learn ways to serve and support individual well owners and public health and cooperative extension that encounter potential impacts from drought and flooding events. Interested? Make sure to register here, https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/121297480427956315

RCAP has released its newest guidebook, "Wastewater Lagoons - Operations and Maintenance Manual". This manual serves as ...
08/12/2026

RCAP has released its newest guidebook, "Wastewater Lagoons - Operations and Maintenance Manual". This manual serves as a guide for lagoon system owners and operators. It aims to provide an understanding of the different types of wastewater treatment lagoons, the fundamental processes involved, troubleshooting techniques, and strategies for maintaining a healthy wastewater lagoon.

You can access the full manual here, https://www.rcap.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/RCAP-Wastewater-Lagoon-Manual.pdf.

Rural communities are working hard to improve and expand the critical infrastructure to meet the current and future need...
08/04/2026

Rural communities are working hard to improve and expand the critical infrastructure to meet the current and future needs of rural families, farms and businesses. While simultaneously, the rest of the country is counting on rural America to produce our food, energy, manufactured goods.

We continuously ask a lot of rural America and it deserves certainty that the policy and programs needed to meet the challenge are in place in an updated Farm Bill. It is time to encourage our Senate to work together, find agreement, and pass a Farm Bill 2.0. That's why this week matters!

The Senate Agriculture Committee is set to mark up Farm Bill 2.0 — the Agricultural Act of 2026 — this Thursday, August 6. This markup is a critical step toward getting a modernized, five-year Farm Bill across the finish line, one that updates farm and rural development programs. It's our best shot yet at bringing new tools and resources to rural communities that have been waiting since the last Farm Bill in 2018.

The Farm Bill process has endured because it recognizes something simple: a strong rural America is good for the whole country.

Join the water community at the American Water Works Association’s annual Water Smart Innovations Conference (WSI), taki...
07/29/2026

Join the water community at the American Water Works Association’s annual Water Smart Innovations Conference (WSI), taking place in Portland, Oregon from October 21-23, 2026! 🌊

WSI is one of the most focused and comprehensive water conservation and resource sustainability conferences of the year. Learn strategies for advancing conservation programs to the next level, plus special sessions on wildfires, source water protection, and more.

Learn more: https://www.awwa.org/event/watersmart-innovations/?utm_medium=organic_social&utm_source=media_trade&utm_campaign=wsi26&utm_content=ce&utm_term=rcap

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1725 I Street NW, Ste 225
Washington D.C., DC
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