TWDB provides first financial assistance commitments to emerging contaminants projects

TWDB provides first financial assistance commitments to emerging contaminants projects Posted on September 20, 2024

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act appropriated additional funding to the state revolving funds for projects that will address emerging contaminants, and in September the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved its first two financial assistance commitments to Texas cities.

The additional funding is administered through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Emerging Contaminants programs, and all project funding is awarded in the form of principal forgiveness.

During its September Board meeting, the TWDB approved $15,000,000 in financial assistance from the DWSRF to the City of Bronte in Coke County to replace and relocate the City's existing water treatment plant. The project will expand the plant's capacity and combine micro- or ultra-filtration with reverse osmosis for the removal of lithium.

The City of Daisetta in Liberty County also received a financial assistance commitment of $2,440,000 from the DWSRF to address elevated levels of sodium in its water by constructing a new treatment facility that will treat water sourced from a new well.

Projects funded through the Emerging Contaminants programs will reduce exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as well as other emerging contaminants, like lithium and sodium, through drinking water and help address discharges through wastewater and, potentially, nonpoint sources. At least 25 percent of the project funds must be committed to disadvantaged communities or public water systems serving fewer than 25,000 people, such as the cities of Bronte and Daisetta.

"This is an important step in implementing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and reducing Texans' exposure to emerging contaminants," said Clay Schultz, Director of the TWDB's Regional Water Project Development Division.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, emerging contaminants are substances and microorganisms that may pose risks to human health, aquatic life, or the environment. Examples of emerging contaminants include PFAS, microplastics, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, harmful algal blooms, and more.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act appropriated capitalization grant funds through federal fiscal year 2026. The TWDB anticipates soliciting project information forms for the next cycle of funding through the Emerging Contaminants programs in December 2024.

For more information about the Emerging Contaminants programs, visit the TWDB's website.

This article is posted in Financial Assistance.

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