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 | Jan 9, 2026 | Small Water Systems, Workforce Development
Small water systems play a crucial role, serving millions of people across rural and suburban communities in the U.S. These systems consistently face pressures from aging infrastructure, limited staffing, and rising regulatory demands. As digital technologies advance,...
by Southwest EFC | Jan 5, 2026 | Access to Wastewater Funding Sources, Access to Water Funding Sources, Access to Water/ Wastewater Funding Sources, Complying with Wastewater Regulations, Funding Coordination, Funding Pipeline to Success, Policy and Legislation, Small Water Systems
Small water systems are struggling to keep up with compliance and rising costs. In this episode, we explore how new policy tools, partnerships, and restructuring can unlock solutions for the future. This episode is hosted by Danish Kumar, Climate Change Program...
by Sami Stroud | Dec 2, 2025 | Asset Management, Infrastructure Renewal/ Replacement, Rates, Small Water Systems, Utility Management
Photo from Mississippi State University archives. Aging Water Infrastructure: The Challenge Facing Rural Systems in 2025 Rural water systems across the nation are facing a familiar and growing challenge: aging infrastructure. Many water treatment plants are now...
by Sami Stroud | Nov 10, 2025 | Compliance with Drinking Water Regulations, Infrastructure Renewal/ Replacement, PFAS, Pollution & Water Quality, Small Water Systems
Image created using the Grok AI image generator, courtesy of Mike Rivera, SW EFC. Introduction: New EPA Regulations Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a class of durable, synthetic chemicals linked to adverse health outcomes. Their persistence in the...
by Sami Stroud | Oct 20, 2025 | Asset Management, Financial Management, Small Water Systems, Uncategorized
Managing capital assets is vital for small water districts. All the programs and interactions involved in providing services for their customers depend on public assets. The EPA has estimated that the total 20-year infrastructure need for approximately 40,000 small...
