Category: Hot topics

The Environmental Finance Center Network is hosting a small systems training on April 1st, 2026, if you would like to register, please fill out the following form here.

A brief description of the training can be found below or via their flyer from the link here.

Running a small system can be challenging. Along with meeting regulatory obligations and
satisfying customer expectations, you may have issues with aging infrastructure, lack of
personnel, and limited financial resources. Furthermore, small systems often cost more to
operate per capita than large systems because of economy of scale. This can further
complicate operations.
One strategy to address these challenges is to work with other utilities or consider
partnership options. In this training, we will discuss various regionalization models and
approaches to collaboration:
• Informal information sharing
• Sharing equipment or personnel
• Leveraging shared purchasing power
• Emergency planning and networking
• Joint Service Agreements

The January 2026 ODW Newsletter goes over several important topics highlighted below:

ODW Webinar Tuesday February 17th on LCRI Mandatory Tap Sampling Requirements

Updates on Federal Funding

Tips on Preparing your CCR

Customer Service Tips

Training Opportunities for Waterworks

More information on all these topics can be found in the February 2026 Newsletter.

A link to previous ODW Newsletters and bulletins can be found here.

CIR: CIR 7.1.A – Cellular infrastructure outage, or imminent outage, impacting, or with the potential to impact, public safety, public health, and/or critical infrastructure

Incident Date/Time: 01-14-2026 12:27

Information Authority: SWIC

Localities Affected: United States (Country-Wide)

Incident Location: USA

Incident Summary: Verizon is experiencing an intermittent outage, impacting major cities nationwide. Approximately 177,000 users are affected, with many devices displaying SOS Mode. Unknown cause of the outage with unknown restoration time. Other US based cell carriers (T-Mobile, AT&T, and US cellular) are starting to service impacts to their customers.

Winter storms can bring a combination of freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and extended power outages that pose significant challenges to water systems. Even brief periods of extreme cold can impact treatment processes, freeze exposed equipment, limit staffing, and disrupt transportation and chemical deliveries. Preparing now helps ensure continued safe operation and reliable service throughout the winter season.

Key preparedness reminders for waterworks:

• Inspect and protect vulnerable equipment such as exposed pipes, meters, chemical feed lines, and outdoor instrumentation.
• Verify backup power systems and ensure fuel, generators, and transfer switches are ready for potential outages.
• Confirm employee call-down lists and ensure staff understand inclement weather reporting procedures.
• Review chemical inventory and resupply plans in case road conditions delay deliveries.
• Coordinate with local emergency management and monitor updates from the National Weather Service.

Prepare for customer impacts such as frozen service lines and potential low-pressure events

Being proactive with winter storm readiness supports operational resilience, protects infrastructure, and ensures the continued delivery of safe drinking water to Virginia communities. More information on winter weather and emergency preparedness can be found here.

EPA has introduced the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) and Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). ODW staff have compiled resources for utilities to ensure they properly implement the rule changes and additions.

Information can be found here

The MOR submittal form can be accessed here.

For instructions and guidance on how to submit the form please view the following recording and jump to 49:09 in the video.

On January 6, 2025 a winter weather-related power outage impacted operations at the City of Richmond’s water plant along the James River. As a result, the City of Richmond, Hanover, Henrico, and Goochland Counties were put under a Boil Water Advisory. The link below provides information on the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) response, investigation, and ongoing efforts to increase the City of Richmond’s drinking water system reliability.

More information on the city of Richmond Water Crisis can be found here