by Southwest EFC | Aug 24, 2026 | Access to Wastewater Funding Sources, Access to Water Funding Sources, Funding Coordination, Infrastructure Renewal/ Replacement, Operations & Maintenance, PER, Preliminary Engineering Reports
Photo Credit: pexels.com What is a PER and Why Do You Need One? A Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) is a study that assesses infrastructure and identifies failures and needs. It also evaluates the feasibility...
by Sami Stroud | Jun 8, 2026 | Infrastructure Renewal/ Replacement, Wastewater
Solar aerator on a treatment lagoon. Image Credit: Tucker Colvin, Southwest Environmental Finance Center. Small wastewater treatment plants often operate on tight budgets, but strategic, affordable upgrades can significantly boost efficiency, reduce energy costs and...
by Sami Stroud | Jun 2, 2026 | Access to Wastewater Funding Sources, Access to Water Funding Sources, Access to Water/ Wastewater Funding Sources, Green Infrastructure, Groundwater, Infrastructure Renewal/ Replacement
Aerial view of Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam in Arizona. Image courtesy of Michael Vi. The Bureau of Reclamation’s (BOR) WaterSMART Program provides financial assistance to states, tribes, and local entities to support water management improvements and projects that...
by Sami Stroud | Jan 27, 2026 | Asset Management, Financial Management, Infrastructure Renewal/ Replacement, Managerial & Financial Leadership, Utility Management
What is Asset Management? What is the number one reason why utilities exist? It is to serve their customers. What is the number one reason they should take on asset management? To better serve their customers. Whether or not a utility undertakes asset management, it...
by Southwest EFC | Jan 23, 2026 | Conservation, Infrastructure Renewal/ Replacement, Small Water Systems, Water Availability
This episode explores the growing energy and water demands of data centers as artificial intelligence is driving rapid expansion across the country. The discussion highlights how AI-focused data centers differ from traditional facilities, why their electricity and...
by Sami Stroud | Dec 17, 2025 | Access to Water Funding Sources, Access to Water/ Wastewater Funding Sources, Additional Support Organizations, Community Engagement, Infrastructure Renewal/ Replacement
Funding for water and wastewater projects can be confusing to navigate, and it is generally provided by a variety of agencies in a state. Some states have made an effort to consolidate funding entities and partner agencies to provide a singular...
